Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced on Apr. 1 that he joined 24 attorneys general in releasing a statement regarding the Barbara v. Trump case, which challenges President Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to immigrant parents. The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in this case today.
The issue holds national significance as it addresses whether children born on U.S. soil to immigrant parents are entitled to citizenship under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution. Raoul and his coalition have filed an amicus brief arguing against the executive order.
“The president’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship violates our Constitution, federal statutes and the rule that has governed our nation for more than 150 years. We were proud to lead the fight against this unlawful order, and grateful for the injunctions we obtained that prevented this action from ever taking effect. We are optimistic the U.S. Supreme Court will agree with every judge to consider this executive order on the merits and hold that it violates this fundamental constitutional right,” Raoul said.
According to its official website, the Illinois Attorney General’s office advocates for vulnerable groups including workers, immigrants, and seniors across Illinois, handles thousands of consumer complaints each year, protects consumers, promotes safer communities, supports environmental issues and rights advocacy efforts statewide, partners with law enforcement agencies to support crime victims and promote open government practices, and offers services such as complaint filing related to consumer fraud or civil rights violations.
Joining Raoul in issuing today’s statement are attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island,Vermont,V irginia ,Washington ,and Wisconsin.