Attorney General Dan Rayfield expressed approval of the 9th Circuit U.S. Appeals Court's decision to block the Trump Administration's efforts to end birthright citizenship. The court denied the administration's request for an emergency stay, preventing any restriction on birthright citizenship while judicial review is ongoing. This decision reinforces that constitutional rights cannot be altered by executive order.
"President Trump’s attempt to strip away birthright citizenship was an attack on one of the most fundamental rights we have as Americans," stated Rayfield. "The court’s decision is a clear reminder that you cannot change the law through executive orders or make decisions that go against the foundational principles this country was built on."
The ruling follows the Trump Administration's move to eliminate a long-standing constitutional right granting citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
"Birthright citizenship is a cornerstone of our country for generations. For 120 years, lawmakers of all parties have stood behind it," said Rayfield. "We’ll keep fighting to make sure the rights of all people are protected, no matter what comes out of the White House."
The panel included three judges: one nominated by Trump and two appointed by George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. A detailed review will proceed in the 9th Circuit with arguments scheduled for June.
Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, and Washington initiated this lawsuit and obtained a preliminary injunction from a federal judge in Seattle on February 6.