Lawsuit filed in Massachusetts on behalf of expectant mothers challenging Trump’s Executive Order concerning the end of birthright U.S. citizenship

BOSTON – Today, expectant mothers and immigrant organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Executive Order issued by the Trump Administration, concerning the end of birthright U.S. citizenship for children of immigrant parents.

Today’s lawsuit was filed by Lawyers for Civil Rights on behalf of expectant mothers who are impacted by the Executive Order alongside two Massachusetts-based immigrant advocacy organizations: La Colaborativa and the Brazilian Worker Center. The organizations say they have already been flooded with inquiries from their members, including immigrants harmed by the Executive Order.  

“This Executive Order is a brutal and unconstitutional attempt to redefine what it means to be an American,” said Iván Espinoza-Madrigal, Executive Director for Lawyers for Civil Rights. “The Constitution is clear: birthplace, not parentage, determines citizenship in this country. This lawsuit is about ensuring that the fundamental rights guaranteed by our Constitution are upheld.”

“Birthright citizenship is a sacred right granted by our Constitution,” said Oren Sellstrom, Litigation Director for Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Robbing anyone of this right is unprecedented and inhumane. The Constitution does not allow a President to decide who is a citizen, and we are confident that the courts will agree.”

“This is a blatant attack on immigrant families who are the backbone of our communities and economy,” said Gladys Vega, Executive Director of La Colaborativa. “Our members are mothers, fathers, workers, and neighbors who came to this country searching for a safer and better life. Denying citizenship to their U.S.-born children undermines the ideals of fairness and opportunity that define America. We will not stand idly by while our children are targeted and their rights and dignity are erased.”

“Stripping children of their birthright citizenship undermines their dignity, security, and identity,” said Lenita Reason, Executive Director of the Brazilian Worker Center. “This policy doesn’t just harm individuals – it tears at the fabric of our communities. We stand in solidarity with immigrant families nationwide to defend this fundamental right. All children born in this country deserve an equal opportunity to thrive.”

“Lawyers for Civil Rights is proud to lead the fight against the Trump Administration’s hateful immigration policies,” said Jacob Love, Senior Attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights. “These assaults on immigrant communities are not only reprehensible – they are also illegal. We look forward to taking this fight for civil rights to the courtroom.” 

“Judicial relief is essential,” said Mirian Albert, Senior Attorney for Lawyers for Civil Rights. “Otherwise, this Executive Order will cause significant harm to our immigrant families. Our communities are vulnerable, and now they are panicking. The court has the power to hit pause, to provide protection for vulnerable communities, and restore a sense of order and justice.”   

“We are seeing firsthand the fear and instability this policy creates for mothers in our community,” said Reverend Dieufort Fleurissaint of Haitian-Americans United. “For many of our immigrant families, birthright citizenship is the foundation of the next generation’s future and security. Stripping away this right is cruel.”