22 states file lawsuit to block US President Donald Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship
A coalition of 22 states, primarily led by Democratic attorneys general, has filed lawsuits to challenge President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. This order, signed shortly after Trump assumed office for his second term, seeks to eliminate the automatic granting of U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil, a right protected under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
Key Details of the Lawsuit
Lawsuit Initiation: The legal actions were launched on January 21, 2025, with two major lawsuits filed in federal court—one in Massachusetts and another in Washington state. The coalition includes states such as California, New York, New Jersey, and Colorado.
Claims Against the Executive Order: The lawsuits argue that Trump’s directive is unconstitutional and an overreach of presidential authority. New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin emphasized that “the president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence” and described the order as a “flagrant violation” of established law.
Impact of the Order: If implemented, Trump’s order would prevent federal agencies from issuing citizenship documents to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents, particularly targeting those whose mothers are undocumented or in the country temporarily. This could affect approximately 150,000 children annually, stripping them of access to essential services and potentially rendering many stateless.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta stated that the executive order is “blatantly unconstitutional” and called for immediate judicial intervention to protect the rights of affected American-born children. The lawsuits seek a preliminary injunction to halt the enforcement of Trump’s order while litigation is ongoing.
This legal challenge marks the beginning of what is expected to be a protracted battle over immigration policy and birthright citizenship in the United States. The coalition argues that birthright citizenship has been a long-standing principle enshrined in U.S. law for over 150 years and is crucial to America’s identity as a nation built by immigrants.
