President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at denying U.S. citizenship to the children of undocumented immigrants born on American soil, a move that seeks to overturn a right enshrined in the Constitution for more than 150 years.
The executive order, which would apply to any births occurring after February 19, is likely to face swift legal challenges. It represents a dramatic shift from the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that “all persons born” in the U.S. are automatically citizens of the country and the state where they are born.
New York Attorney General Letitia James released a statement Monday night on the Executive Order:
“For over 156 years, the United States Constitution has clearly stated that anyone born on our nation’s soil is a citizen of the United States. President Trump cannot ignore the 14th Amendment, or any part of our Constitution.
“This executive order is nothing but an attempt to sow division and fear, but we are prepared to fight back with the full force of the law to uphold the integrity of our Constitution.
“As Attorney General, I will always protect the legal rights of immigrants and their families and communities. We are reviewing our legal options.”
Governor Kathy Hochul also released a statement:
“Birthright citizenship isn’t just enshrined in our constitution — it’s key to the fundamental promise of America. While we are currently reviewing specifics of the executive orders issued by President Trump today, New York is prepared to take any action within our power to ensure that those born in our state have all the rights and protections that prior generations of new Americans have been granted.”
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