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A coalition of advocacy groups, led by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), has filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at changing the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. This amendment grants birthright citizenship to those born in the United States.
The order, signed on Trump's first day in office, is part of a series of actions targeting immigration policies. It directs federal agencies to stop issuing official documents like passports and citizenship certificates to children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status or on temporary visas. Trump stated that this order would not apply retroactively and would be enforced within 30 days.
Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the ACLU, criticized the order: “Denying citizenship to U.S.-born children is not only unconstitutional — it’s also a reckless and ruthless repudiation of American values.” He emphasized that birthright citizenship contributes to America's strength and dynamism and expressed confidence in prevailing against what he described as an egregious overreach by the Trump administration.
J. Kevin Appleby from the Center for Migration Studies expressed concern about creating a stateless population lacking full rights and protections. He described it as harmful primarily to children and an attempt to divide society.
The Catholic Legal Immigration Network Inc., known as CLINIC, condemned Trump's immigration orders, which include suspending efforts to reunite families separated at the border and halting certain refugee programs. Anna Gallagher, CLINIC's executive director, stated that these "dehumanizing executive orders" contradict core values such as compassion and justice.
Trump's hardline immigration stance was central to his campaign platform. While specifics on implementing mass deportations remain unclear, such actions are contrary to teachings from the Second Vatican Council condemning deportation among other societal harms.
Executive orders are legally binding directives published in the Federal Register but differ from broader "executive actions." New presidents typically issue some orders on their first day; however, Trump's plans have been notably expansive.
Appleby remarked on potential resistance: “It’s one thing to sign executive orders, but quite another to implement them.” He anticipates opposition from various sectors including advocates, faith groups, local jurisdictions, courts, and Congress members.
Kate Scanlon reports for OSV News covering Washington developments.
