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The President of the United States, Donald Trump, once again attacked birthright citizenship, asserting that the 14th Amendment was not intended to apply to the children of undocumented immigrants.
In a statement on his platform Truth Social, he claimed that the Founding Fathers "would be turning in their graves" at the idea that the country could be "taken away" by foreigners.
"The right to U.S. citizenship has never had anything to do with modern 'invaders.' It was about ensuring citizenship for freed slaves. Our Founding Fathers are 'turning in their graves' at how they are taking our country away from us. No nation in the world has anything like this," Trump stated, resuming a discourse that many have labeled as racist and xenophobic.
These statements come at a time when the U.S. justice system is opposing him. Several federal judges have blocked an executive order from the president that seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants.
Federal Judge Deborah Boardman from the state of Maryland issued a ruling in February that suspends Trump's executive order, arguing that it conflicts with the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
The case was filed by five pregnant women and two immigrant rights organizations, who claimed that the measure violated the constitutional rights of their children.
During the hearing, Judge Boardman emphasized that birthright citizenship has been supported by over a century of Supreme Court precedents.
"No court has supported the president's interpretation of the 14th Amendment. This court will not be the first," he emphasized.
Boardman, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, determined that the suspension should be implemented at the national level to prevent potential harm to the affected families.
The Trump administration has indicated that it will appeal the decision to a federal court in Richmond, with the possibility that the case could reach the Supreme Court.
Meanwhile, immigrant rights organizations have celebrated the suspension of the decree. Swapna Reddy, co-director of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), called the judicial decision a relief for many families.
"The families who have made this country their home should not live with the uncertainty of whether their children will be recognized as citizens," declared the activist.
The judges' ruling has dealt a significant blow to Trump, who recently asked the Supreme Court to prevent the judges from blocking his controversial decrees.
Frequently asked questions about birthright citizenship and Trump's immigration policies
What is birthright citizenship in the United States?
Birthright citizenship is a principle established by the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution that grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status. This provision has been criticized by Donald Trump, who has expressed his intention to abolish it through an executive action.
Is it possible to eliminate birthright citizenship in the United States with an executive order?
It is not possible to eliminate birthright citizenship through an executive order, as it is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Any attempt to change this provision requires a constitutional amendment, which is a complex process that involves the approval of two-thirds of both houses of Congress and the ratification by three-fourths of the states. Legal experts deem Trump's proposal unconstitutional.
What impact would the elimination of birthright citizenship have in the United States?
The elimination of birthright citizenship would have a devastating impact on millions of immigrant families and the U.S. economy. New classes of "stateless" individuals would emerge, with children born in the U.S. lacking nationality and access to basic rights, affecting mixed-status families and further complicating the immigration system.
What are the reactions to Trump's proposal to eliminate birthright citizenship?
Trump's proposal has generated mixed reactions. While Democrats and human rights organizations describe it as unconstitutional and an attack on civil rights, the conservative base and Trump supporters back it, viewing it as a necessary step to control immigration.
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