18 U.S. States Sue Trump Over Order to End Birthright Citizenship

Eighteen U.S. states have filed a federal lawsuit against President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, a move that has sparked immediate legal challenges from Democratic-led states.

The lawsuit, filed on Tuesday by the attorneys general of the states, argues that Trump’s order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Ratified in 1868, the amendment guarantees citizenship to all persons “born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Originally intended to ensure full citizenship rights for Black Americans after the Civil War, it has long been interpreted to apply to all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

Trump, who was inaugurated on Monday for a second term, wasted no time in implementing his promised immigration crackdown. In a statement, the White House said the traditional interpretation of the 14th Amendment was flawed and asserted that birthright citizenship should not apply to children of non-citizen parents.

The states challenging the order include California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. New York Attorney General Letitia James condemned the executive action, calling it both unconstitutional and dangerous. She emphasized that birthright citizenship is a fundamental right that cannot be altered by presidential decree.

“President Trump’s attempt to undermine the fundamental right to birthright citizenship is not just unconstitutional; it is profoundly dangerous,” James said. “Today, we are suing to uphold the integrity of the U.S. Constitution and ensure the promise of birthright citizenship remains intact for all who are born here.”

Trump’s aides have indicated that the executive order is set to take effect 30 days after being signed. The Democratic attorneys general have asked the court to expedite proceedings and rule on whether to block enforcement before the order comes into force.

In addition to the state-led lawsuit, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has also filed a separate legal challenge seeking to halt the implementation of Trump’s order.