A federal judge at Seattle is set to hear arguments today in a multi-state lawsuit challenging president Donald Trump’s controversial executive order that aims to abolish birthright citizenship for children born in United States to non-citizen parents.
The high-stakes lawsuit filed by Arizona, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington states that Trump’s order violates the 14th amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to people born on American soil regardless of their parents to immigration status.
Trump’s order was signed on inauguration day, which forbids citizenship to children born in America to non-citizen parents, stating that they are not subject to the jurisdiction of the United States.
US district judge John Coughenour is scheduled to hear arguments from both sides today, with prosecutors seeking a temporary block to the order from taking effect on February 19.
This lawsuit is not the only one to be filed their are four others filed by 22 states and several immigrant rights organisations across the country, showing the widespread concern and opposition to Trump’s order.
The suit includes person testimonies from attorneys general who are US citizens by birthright, as well as stories of pregnant women who fear their child will be denied citizenship.
Washington state Attorney General Bob Ferguson criticised Trump’s attempts to change the constitution, he said ” This is a critical moment for our country. We will not stand idly by while the trump administration attempts to undermine the constitution and fundamental principles of our democracy”.
The US is among about 30 countries that offer birthright citizenship comprising Canada and Mexico. , the outcome of this case will have far-reaching implications for the future of birthright citizenship in the United States.
