President Donald Trump has once again criticized the concept of birthright citizenship, arguing that the 14th Amendment was never intended for the children of undocumented immigrants. In a statement on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump claimed that the Founding Fathers would be "turning in their graves" at the notion that the country could be "taken over" by foreigners.
"The right to American citizenship was never about today's so-called 'invaders.' It was designed to ensure citizenship for freed slaves. Our Founding Fathers are 'turning in their graves' seeing our country being taken from us," Trump asserted, reiterating rhetoric that many have condemned as racist and xenophobic.
These comments come amid increasing legal challenges for Trump. Several federal judges have halted his executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. Federal Judge Deborah Boardman from Maryland ruled in February to suspend Trump's order, arguing it conflicts with the 14th Amendment of the Constitution.
The case was brought forward by five pregnant women and two immigrant rights organizations, who claimed the order violated their children's constitutional rights. During the hearing, Judge Boardman emphasized that birthright citizenship has been supported by over a century of Supreme Court precedents. "No court has ever endorsed the president's interpretation of the 14th Amendment. This court will not be the first," she stated. Boardman, appointed by former President Joe Biden, ruled that the suspension should be nationwide to prevent harm to affected families.
The Trump administration plans to appeal the decision to a federal court in Richmond, with the potential for the case to go to the Supreme Court. Meanwhile, immigrant rights organizations have welcomed the suspension of the executive order. Swapna Reddy, co-director of the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project (ASAP), described the judicial decision as a relief for many families. "Families who have made this country their home should not live under the uncertainty of whether their children will be recognized as citizens," the activist declared.
This judicial setback represents a significant blow to Trump, who has recently urged the Supreme Court to prevent judges from blocking his contentious orders.
Understanding Trump's Birthright Citizenship Controversy
What is Trump's stance on birthright citizenship?
Trump believes that the 14th Amendment should not grant citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and argues it was originally intended for freed slaves.
What legal challenges has Trump's executive order faced?
Several federal judges, including Judge Deborah Boardman, have suspended Trump's order, citing conflicts with the 14th Amendment and longstanding Supreme Court precedents.
How have immigrant rights organizations reacted to the suspension of the order?
Organizations like the Asylum Seeker Advocacy Project have celebrated the suspension, considering it a relief for families concerned about their children's citizenship status.