New York Attorney General Letitia James denounced an executive order signed Monday by President Donald Trump aiming to end birthright citizenship in the United States, calling it an unconstitutional act that undermines the 14th Amendment.
“For over 156 years, the United States Constitution has clearly stated that anyone born on our nation’s soil is a citizen of the United States,” James said in a statement. “President Trump cannot ignore the 14th Amendment, or any part of our Constitution.”
The executive order seeks to challenge the longstanding interpretation of birthright citizenship, which is rooted in the 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868. The amendment guarantees citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States,” a principle upheld by Supreme Court precedent.
James described the move as a divisive political strategy and pledged to use legal avenues to challenge its validity. “This executive order is nothing but an attempt to sow division and fear, but we are prepared to fight back with the full force of the law to uphold the integrity of our Constitution,” she said.
The Attorney General reaffirmed her commitment to defending immigrant communities and protecting their rights under the law. While no lawsuits have yet been announced, James said her office is reviewing its legal options.
The executive order has sparked widespread criticism and is expected to face significant legal challenges. Constitutional scholars and advocacy groups argue that such a change would require an amendment to the Constitution, rather than an executive order.
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