Senator Jacky Rosen introduces the Born in the USA Act to counter President Trump’s Executive Order on birthright citizenship, sparking debate over constitutional rights.
Quick Takes
- Senator Rosen proposes bill to block funding for Trump’s birthright citizenship directive
- The Born in the USA Act aims to protect automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S.
- Federal courts have temporarily blocked Trump’s Executive Order
- Rosen emphasizes the 14th Amendment’s clear stance on birthright citizenship
- The bill seeks bipartisan support, though Republican backing remains uncertain
Rosen’s Legislative Challenge to Trump’s Directive
U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen has introduced the Born in the USA Act, a legislative measure designed to counteract President Trump’s Executive Order aimed at ending automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. The bill seeks to prevent government funds from being used to enforce what Rosen and her colleagues deem an unconstitutional directive. This move comes in response to the Trump Administration’s efforts to alter long standing interpretations of birthright citizenship, despite temporary blocks by federal courts.
The Born in the USA Act has garnered support from several Democratic senators, including Dick Durbin, Brian Schatz, Chris Van Hollen, Richard Blumenthal, Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, Jeanne Shaheen, Cory Booker, and Peter Welch. This coalition underscores the Democratic Party’s unified stance on the issue of birthright citizenship, viewing it as a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution.
Constitutional Interpretations and Legal Challenges
At the heart of this legislative battle is the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Senator Rosen and her colleagues argue that the U.S. Constitution unequivocally grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil. This position directly contradicts the Trump Administration’s attempts to redefine or limit this right through executive action.
“The U.S. Constitution is abundantly clear that if you are born in the United States, then you are a citizen.” – Senator Rosen
The Trump Administration’s Executive Order has been temporarily halted by federal courts, but the administration has indicated its intention to appeal these rulings. This legal back-and-forth highlights the contentious nature of the issue and its potential to reach the Supreme Court for a definitive ruling on the scope of birthright citizenship.
Broader Implications for Immigration Policy
Senator Rosen’s advocacy extends beyond the Born in the USA Act. She has been a vocal supporter of immigrant families, opposing mass deportation and supporting programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) and TPS (Temporary Protected Status). Her stance aligns with the Biden Administration’s more permissive approach to immigration, as evidenced by recent extensions of TPS for immigrants from El Salvador and Venezuela.
“Well, I hope that they would be because we passed the 14th Amendment in the 1800s. That has been settled law. If you’re born in America, you are an American citizen, period.” – Sen. Jacky Rosen
Rosen has also addressed concerns about application delays for DACA recipients and has called for comprehensive immigration reform. These actions paint a picture of a broader Democratic strategy on immigration, one that contrasts sharply with the more restrictive policies advocated by the Trump Administration and many Republican lawmakers.
Seeking Bipartisan Support
While the Born in the USA Act has strong backing from Democratic senators, its prospects for bipartisan support remain uncertain. Senator Rosen has expressed hope for Republican colleagues to join the effort, framing the issue as one of constitutional principle rather than partisan politics. However, the deep divisions in Congress over immigration policy may prove challenging to overcome.
As the debate over birthright citizenship continues, the Born in the USA Act stands as a legislative counterpoint to executive attempts to redefine this constitutional right. The outcome of this conflict could have far-reaching implications for American citizenship law and the broader landscape of immigration policy in the United States.
Sources:
- Rosen Leads Colleagues in Introducing Bill to Block Implementation of Trump’s Unconstitutional Attempt to Eliminate Automatic Citizenship for Children Born in the U.S.
- Dem Sen. Rosen: I’m Pushing to Defund Birthright Citizenship EO to Ensure ‘Everybody Who’s Born Here’ Gets to Keep Citizenship
