A group of 24 attorneys general issued a joint statement on Apr. 1 regarding the oral arguments in the Supreme Court case Trump v. Barbara, voicing opposition to an executive order that redefines birthright citizenship.
The attorneys general said the executive order is unconstitutional and violates federal statutes, highlighting their ongoing legal challenge against its implementation.
“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,” according to Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and her colleagues.
Davenport was joined by attorneys general from Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawai’i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia in issuing this statement.
The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin holds statewide authority to enforce laws and regulate public safety matters under its statutory mandate according to the official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities in New Jersey according to the official website.
The office also provides state legal representation as well as oversight for law enforcement agencies across New Jersey according to the official website. Its functions include crime lab support for investigations and victim advocacy programs according to the official website.
Broader implications of this case could affect longstanding interpretations of constitutional rights related to citizenship. Observers await a decision from the U.S. Supreme Court which may set precedent for future policy debates.
