Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has expressed strong opposition to President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. Ahead of a crucial hearing, Bonta emphasized the legal challenge against the order, stating, “Within hours of taking office, President Trump showed his blatant disregard for the limits of his authority under the law.”

Bonta argues that the executive order seeks to override the Fourteenth Amendment and amend the U.S. Constitution unilaterally. He stated, “We’re in court to make the case for a preliminary injunction to prevent this order from taking effect while litigation proceeds.”

In January 2025, Attorney General Bonta co-led a coalition comprising 18 state attorneys general and San Francisco in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration's executive order. The lawsuit contends that the order violates constitutional principles and established Supreme Court precedents.

The executive order titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship" seeks to limit birthright citizenship for children born in the United States under certain conditions related to their parents' immigration status. It directs federal agencies to deny privileges typically reserved for U.S. citizens to these children.

If implemented, this policy could impact tens of thousands of children annually, including an estimated 24,500 in California alone. These children could lose basic rights and face deportation threats along with losing access to work opportunities and other civic privileges.

Moreover, states like California could experience reductions in federal funding necessary for providing essential services such as healthcare for low-income families and support for vulnerable children.

The motion for a preliminary injunction will be reviewed tomorrow at 7 AM PT / 10 AM ET by the U.S. District Court for Massachusetts.