As California officials prepare for what is anticipated to be numerous legal challenges with the new administration, Attorney General Rob Bonta declared that he would protect birthright citizenship in response to an executive order issued by President Donald Trump.
The order, which was signed just hours after Trump took office, aims to deny birthright citizenship to children of foreign nationals who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily.
“The U.S. Constitution specifically guarantees birthright citizenship. In a statement released Monday, Bonta said, “It is disheartening, but regrettably not surprising, that the President decided to flout the constitution and try to nullify this right as one of his first actions in office.”
Regardless of the immigration status of their parents, people born in the United States are considered citizens from birth, according to the government’s long-standing interpretation of the Constitution.
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside,” states the Constitution’s 14th Amendment.
Citing a lawsuit brought about by Wong Kim Ark, a Chinese-American man born in San Francisco who had been refused admission back into the United States, Bonta’s statement acknowledged California’s involvement in setting the precedent. In 1898, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld his citizenship rights under the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause in a historic ruling.
This is the history of California. The attorney general continued, “And we are prepared to fight for it.”
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.