Summary
The ACLU filed a federal lawsuit challenging President Trump’s executive order to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are unlawfully present or have temporary legal status.
The order, set to take effect in 30 days, conflicts with the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship, upheld by the Supreme Court in 1898.
Critics argue the order creates a “subclass” of noncitizens, undermining fairness and equality.
The lawsuit seeks to block the order, which also directs agencies to stop issuing passports and recognizing affected children as citizens.
Probably both are needed. Protests alert our leaders to what we do and don’t like, which can help to reduce terrible legislation. Groups like the ACLU offer legal challenges to things that have already passed. Many people can’t do both - but could do one of them.