Here’s the latest in the major development.
On Monday evening, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit challenging an executive order from President Trump aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally. The ACLU argues that the order violates the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to any person born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Critics of the executive order, including ACLU Executive Director Anthony D. Romero, argue that denying birthright citizenship would undermine the very principles that have made America a beacon of freedom and opportunity. According to Romero, the order is not just unconstitutional, but a dangerous step backward in our nation’s history. He insists that “birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our nation’s identity,” and calls the executive order a “reckless” move that would create a permanent underclass of Americans denied their basic rights.
The lawsuit, filed in New Hampshire, represents families who would be directly affected by the executive order. It claims that the move violates the 14th Amendment, which states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” In essence, the ACLU is arguing that the President’s order would strip U.S. citizenship from children born on American soil, an action they contend is both illegal and unjust.
Although a Trump administration official hinted earlier that the executive order would be implemented prospectively, meaning it would not affect those already born in the U.S., the administration maintains that the order is crucial for preserving the value of American citizenship. The executive order is framed as a necessary step to protect the integrity of the nation’s immigration system and to ensure that U.S. citizenship remains a “priceless and profound gift.”
For Republicans who prioritize secure borders and the rule of law, this executive order represents a strong stance against what they see as the abuse of birthright citizenship. While the ACLU and other critics argue that the order goes too far, many conservatives believe it is essential for upholding the integrity of the nation’s immigration policies and ensuring that American citizenship is not granted to those who circumvent the legal process.