A coalition of 22 Democratic-led states, accompanied by Washington, D.C. and San Francisco city governments, has initiated legal action against President Donald Trump regarding his recent executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. The suits filed in federal courts assert that Trump's directives violate the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to those born in the country.

Trump's executive order directs federal agencies to halt the recognition of U.S. citizenship for children born to mothers who are in the country illegally or whose fathers are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. According to Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell, if upheld, Trump’s order would strip over 150,000 children born annually in the United States of their birthright citizenship, undermining a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment. "President Trump does not have the authority to take away constitutional rights," she stated, emphasizing the illegitimacy of the executive order.

The lawsuits are part of a broader response following Trump's inauguration when he signed various executive orders impacting immigration policies. According to AP News, the order aims to reverse decades-old policies that have allowed U.S.-born children to gain citizenship regardless of their parents' immigration status. Critics argue that this move directly contradicts the ruling established in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, a key Supreme Court case from 1898 confirming that children born on U.S. soil are citizens.

New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin remarked, "State attorneys general have been preparing for illegal actions like this one, and today’s immediate lawsuit sends a clear message to the Trump administration that we will stand up for our residents and their basic constitutional rights."

Various civil rights groups and organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union, have joined the lawsuits, arguing that the executive order not only violates the Constitution but also inflicts serious harm on families and children who are legally entitled to citizenship. One plaintiff, known as "O. Doe," is a pregnant woman living in Massachusetts under temporary protected status, highlighting personal stories affected by the order.

The challenges against Trump's directive are expected to escalate, as lawmakers and advocates prepare for a protracted legal fight over immigration policies under the current administration. The outcomes of these lawsuits could have far-reaching implications on citizenship rights and immigration laws in the United States, making this a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate surrounding immigration reform.

As this legal battle unfolds, many are closely watching how the judiciary will interpret the Constitution and the 14th Amendment. The lawsuits filed aim not only to block the executive order but also to reaffirm the constitutional rights guaranteed to all individuals born on U.S. soil. For further details, refer to the Reuters report.