New York Attorney General Letitia James on Monday condemned an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump that seeks to end birthright citizenship in the United States.
“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. President Trump cannot ignore the 14th Amendment, or any part of our Constitution,” James said in a statement.
James called the order an effort to sow “division and fear,” vowing to challenge the measure in court. “We are prepared to fight back with the full force of the law to uphold the integrity of our Constitution,” she said.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the United States. Legal experts widely agree that attempts to alter its interpretation through executive action would face significant legal hurdles.
“As Attorney General, I will always protect the legal rights of immigrants and their families and communities,” James said. She added that her office is reviewing potential legal responses to the executive order.
The controversial move by Trump has reignited fierce debate over immigration and constitutional protections. Advocates for immigrants and legal scholars have criticized the order, arguing it undermines the nation’s founding principles.
