Twenty-four attorneys general released a joint statement on Apr. 1 regarding the oral arguments in Trump v. Barbara, expressing opposition to the President’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship and voicing optimism about the Supreme Court’s upcoming decision.
The attorneys general said the executive order is unconstitutional and undermines longstanding legal principles, highlighting their collective effort to block its implementation through court injunctions. This case is significant because it addresses fundamental questions about constitutional rights that have been in place for over 150 years.
“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,” said Attorney General Jennifer Davenport in a statement joined by her counterparts 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.
The role of state attorneys general is central in protecting residents’ rights across states such as New Jersey. The New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin aims to protect residents’ lives and property while upholding legal standards statewide according to its official website. The office extends its services throughout all counties and municipalities according to its official website, influencing public safety by enforcing laws and providing oversight across New Jersey according to its official website.
Attorney General Platkin holds authority over law enforcement matters under his statutory mandate according to its official website. The office also offers services including state legal representation for agencies or individuals involved in litigation with or against state interests; law enforcement oversight; crime lab support; victim advocacy; and consumer protection initiatives according to its official website. As a state agency focused on justice and public safety issues across New Jersey—including regulation—Platkin’s office handles broad responsibilities related both directly or indirectly towards ensuring justice statewide according to its official website.
Observers await further developments as the Supreme Court prepares a decision expected to clarify whether longstanding interpretations of birthright citizenship will remain intact.
