Lawsuits Challenge Trump’s Attempts to End Birthright Citizenship During His Presidency

The legal pushback against United States President Donald Trump’s second term is underway, as rights groups and state governments swiftly challenge his day-one decision to revamp birthright citizenship.

In addition to attempting to end birthright citizenship—the policy granting U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil—Trump signed orders to declare a national emergency at the southern border, dismantle federal diversity programs, and revoke federal recognition of transgender identity.

On Monday evening, organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Legal Defense Fund filed a lawsuit, arguing that Trump’s actions violate the Constitution. The case is expected to test the boundaries of his executive authority. White House officials reported that Trump issued 42 presidential actions on his first day in office, including 26 executive orders, as well as several memoranda and proclamations.

At a press conference on Tuesday, California Attorney General Rob Bonta also condemned Trump for beginning his second term by undermining one of the nation’s fundamental rights and disregarding the Constitution. “I have one message for President Trump: I’ll see you in court,” Bonta declared.
Cody Wofsy, deputy director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, criticized Trump’s move to end birthright citizenship, stating it violates the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

“Birthright citizenship is enshrined in our Constitution and is a core principle of what America represents,” said Wofsy, the lead attorney in the ACLU’s case. “Denying citizenship to babies born on U.S. soil is unlawful, deeply cruel, and goes against our nation’s values.”