Democratic Attorneys General Fight Against Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Rollback

Democratic attorneys general from 23 states have taken a stand against President Donald Trump’s recent attempt to revoke automatic birthright citizenship through the signing of an executive order. The lawsuits were filed in Massachusetts and Washington state, challenging the legality of Trump’s proposal to limit birthright citizenship to individuals with at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

The legal battle is heating up as these attorneys general, along with civil rights groups, are pushing back against what they see as an unconstitutional attack on American families. Connecticut Attorney General William Tong voiced his confidence in the lawsuit, stating, “This is a war on American families waged by a president with zero respect for our Constitution. We have sued, and I have every confidence we will win.”

Uphill Battle Ahead

The lawsuit filed in Massachusetts by Tong and 18 other attorneys general labels Trump’s plan as a “flagrantly unlawful attempt to strip hundreds of thousands of American-born children of their citizenship based on their parentage.” Similarly, the lawsuit filed in Washington state warns of the immediate and irreparable harm that would be inflicted on thousands of people if the measure is implemented.

The contentious issue revolves around Trump’s proposal to bypass the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States, with few exceptions. This move, if successful, could impact around 12,000 babies born each month who would no longer be considered U.S. citizens.

Legal Precedent and Potential Roadblocks

Despite the administration’s efforts, many legal experts point to a historic Supreme Court ruling in 1898 that affirmed birthright citizenship for an individual born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. The current Supreme Court, which leans conservative, may face a decision on the legality of Trump’s executive order. However, the precedent set by the United States v. Wong Kim Ark case raises doubts about the administration’s interpretation of the law.

As the legal battle unfolds, the fate of birthright citizenship hangs in the balance. With the courts having a month to deliberate before Trump’s proposal takes effect, the outcome remains uncertain. Stay tuned for updates as this contentious issue plays out in the judicial system.

Expert Quote:
Lawrence Hurley, a senior Supreme Court reporter for NBC News, shared his insights on the potential implications of the lawsuits: “The legal battle over birthright citizenship is shaping up to be a significant test of constitutional principles and presidential authority.”