National Telescope national telescope newspaper
A coalition of 22 U.S. states, including California and New York, has filed lawsuits challenging former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The controversial order, signed shortly after Trump assumed office, targets a constitutional right that guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
The lawsuits argue that Trump’s action violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which was adopted after the Civil War to ensure the rights of former slaves and their descendants. California Attorney General Rob Bonta described the order as “blatantly unconstitutional and un-American.”
“We are asking the court to immediately block this order and protect the rights of American-born children while litigation proceeds,” Bonta said. “The President has overstepped his authority by a mile with this order, and we will hold him accountable.”
What Does the Order Mean?
Trump’s executive order seeks to prevent the federal government from issuing passports or citizenship documents to children born in the U.S. to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily. Critics argue this move would create a class of stateless children and disproportionately affect immigrant communities.
Reactions from Nigerians in the U.S.
The Nigerian diaspora in the U.S., one of the largest African immigrant groups, has expressed concern over the implications of the order. “Many Nigerians come to the U.S. for better opportunities, including for their children. This order feels like an attack on immigrants and the values of fairness and equality,” said Adewale Johnson, a Nigerian-American lawyer based in Texas.
Constitutional Challenges
The 14th Amendment explicitly states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Legal experts argue that any attempt to alter this principle through an executive order is likely to fail in court.
“The 14th Amendment was designed to protect the most vulnerable and ensure equality,” said Dr. Ngozi Udeh, a constitutional law expert in Lagos. “Dismantling this foundation could have ripple effects, not just in the U.S., but globally, as countries look to America for leadership on human rights.”
Global Context
Trump’s claim that the U.S. is the only country offering birthright citizenship is incorrect. Canada, Mexico, and several other nations also grant citizenship to individuals born on their soil. Legal and immigrant advocacy groups have condemned Trump’s rhetoric, calling it misleading and divisive.
What Happens Next?
The lawsuits, led by California, were filed in federal courts in Massachusetts and Washington state. Advocacy groups, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have also joined the legal battle. Trump himself acknowledged that the order is likely to face significant legal hurdles.
“I think we have good grounds, but we’ll see,” Trump said while signing the order.
For Nigerians at home and abroad, this development underscores the importance of legal protections for immigrants.
“This is a reminder that constitutional safeguards should not be taken for granted,” Udeh noted. “For Nigerians in the U.S., it’s crucial to stay informed and seek legal advice when necessary.”
