Mercer Times

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin has announced a legal challenge to President Donald Trump's executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship in the United States. This move is considered by many as a violation of constitutional rights for children born in the country.

Platkin stated, "President Trump’s attempt to unilaterally end birthright citizenship is a flagrant violation of our Constitution." He emphasized that New Jersey values its immigrant population and the contributions of birthright citizens. The lawsuit aims to convey to the Trump Administration that such actions will be contested.

Governor Phil Murphy echoed this sentiment, asserting, "The Constitution could not be more clear: citizenship of children born in the United States does not depend on the citizenship of their parents." He expressed concern over potential harm to families legally residing in the U.S., until courts overturn the order.

Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman criticized the proposal as contrary to American principles. She declared support for efforts led by Governor Murphy and Attorney General Platkin to defend citizen rights. Department of Children and Families Commissioner Christine Norbut Beyer highlighted potential impacts on child welfare and federal support calculations.

Trump's executive order, issued Monday, fulfills his promise to end birthright citizenship, contradicting both the Fourteenth Amendment and Section 1401 of the Immigration and Nationality Act. In response, 18 states, alongside Washington D.C. and San Francisco, are suing in Massachusetts' District Court seeking immediate relief through a Temporary Restraining Order and Preliminary Injunction.

The Attorney General's filing highlights that birthright citizenship has historical roots dating back centuries. The Fourteenth Amendment was adopted post-Civil War to secure citizenship for those born in America. The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld this principle twice, regardless of parental immigration status.

If enforced, Trump's order would strip thousands of newborns annually in New Jersey alone from obtaining U.S. citizenship benefits such as Social Security numbers, lawful employment opportunities, voting rights, jury service eligibility, and candidacy for certain offices.

The legal filing also argues that states would suffer financial losses due to reduced federal funding for programs like Medicaid and foster care assistance if Trump's order proceeds unchecked. The administrative burden on state agencies is another concern raised.

New Jersey's case is managed by Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum with Deputy Solicitors Shankar Duraiswamy and others contributing. Other states participating include California, Massachusetts, Colorado among others.