A group of Republican attorneys general from 18 states is backing a Trump administration order that limits birthright citizenship.
Key Facts:
- Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird leads the amicus brief supporting the order.
- The Trump directive says children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants or visitors on temporary visas do not automatically receive citizenship.
- The lawsuit from 18 Democrat-led states claims the order is unconstitutional and beyond the president’s authority.
- The American Civil Liberties Union has also sued, representing parties concerned their babies will be denied citizenship.
- Republican AGs argue that states shoulder costs when foreign nationals give birth in the United States.
The Rest of The Story:
Republican AGs insist that the Fourteenth Amendment’s original purpose does not grant automatic citizenship to children of parents who crossed the border illegally or came on short-term visits.
According to Bird, this order protects state taxpayers from footing hospital and care bills for those who seek to give birth on American soil.
The group contends that people come to the country on tourist visas with the specific intent of having children who will then gain access to U.S. citizenship.
Meanwhile, the suit from several Democrat attorneys general argues that the order violates both constitutional guarantees and established court precedents.
They believe the president cannot override birthright citizenship, stating that any changes of this magnitude must come through Congress or a constitutional amendment.
The Trump administration insists that its move upholds the rule of law while still allowing legitimate pathways to citizenship.
Supporters of the order see it as a necessary step to preserve the integrity of immigration rules, while critics worry it may create uncertain legal conditions for children born in the United States.
Republican state AGs back Trump birthright citizenship order in court filing: 'Taxpayers are on the hook' https://t.co/v0X7BMCgKe
— Fox News (@FoxNews) February 3, 2025
Commentary:
We fully support the Trump administration’s decision on birthright citizenship.
The original purpose of that amendment was to secure equal rights for freed slaves, not to extend automatic citizenship to every child of illegal immigrants.
This policy clarifies a provision that has been too easily exploited.
By enforcing this measure, taxpayers will be relieved of some unnecessary costs, and the rule of law will be preserved.
We hope the courts uphold the president’s order for the good of the country.
The Bottom Line:
The debate over birthright citizenship is once again in federal court, with Republican officials saying states pay the price and Democrats calling the plan unconstitutional.
Both sides are bracing for legal battles that could reach higher courts.
Until a final decision is made, children of foreign nationals born on U.S. soil face an uncertain status, and states remain at the center of the funding debate.
This is why Trump is trying to end “birthright citizenship”: pic.twitter.com/5EVrSywsr1
— johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) February 2, 2025
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