Senator Rosen’s Bill: A Stand for Birthright Citizenship Protection

Senator Jacky Rosen introduces the Born in the USA Act to protect birthright citizenship, challenging President Trump’s executive order.

Key Takeaways

Senator Rosen’s bill aims to block funding for Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship
The Born in the USA Act emphasizes the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship for those born in the U.S.
Federal courts have temporarily blocked Trump’s order, but the administration plans to appeal
The bill has garnered support from several Democratic senators but faces uncertain Republican backing
Rosen argues that the Constitution clearly grants citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.

Senator Rosen’s Legislative Challenge to Trump’s Executive Order

U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen has introduced the Born in the USA Act, a legislative measure designed to counter President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending automatic citizenship for children born in the United States. The bill seeks to prevent the use of government funds to enforce what Rosen and her colleagues deem an unconstitutional directive.

The executive order, which has been temporarily blocked by federal courts, faces an appeal from the Trump Administration. Rosen’s bill, co-sponsored by several Democratic senators including Dick Durbin, Brian Schatz, and Chris Van Hollen, stands as a legislative bulwark against potential changes to longstanding citizenship rights.

Constitutional Foundations and Bipartisan Aspirations

At the heart of Rosen’s argument is the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The senator and her colleagues assert that the Constitution unequivocally grants citizenship to individuals born on American soil.

“The U.S. Constitution is abundantly clear that if you are born in the United States, then you are a citizen.” – Senator Rosen

While the Born in the USA Act has garnered support from Democratic senators, its bipartisan prospects remain uncertain. Rosen has expressed hope for Republican support, emphasizing the longstanding nature of the 14th Amendment and its role in American jurisprudence since the 1800s.

Broader Immigration Stance and Advocacy

Senator Rosen’s introduction of the Born in the USA Act aligns with her broader advocacy for immigrant families. She has consistently opposed mass deportation efforts and supported protections for DACA recipients and those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS).

“Birthright citizenship is not up for debate. Trump’s attempt to end it is not only unconstitutional, it’s un-American.” – Senator Schatz

Rosen has commended the Biden Administration’s extension of TPS for immigrants from El Salvador and Venezuela while criticizing the Trump administration’s actions against Venezuelan TPS holders. Her efforts extend to addressing application delays for DACA recipients and pushing for comprehensive immigration reform.

Constitutional Interpretation and Political Divide

The Born in the USA Act underscores a fundamental disagreement over the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. While Rosen and her supporters view birthright citizenship as an inviolable constitutional right, the Trump administration’s executive order suggests a different interpretation.

“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

As the legal and political battle over birthright citizenship continues, Senator Rosen’s Born in the USA Act stands as a legislative counterpoint to executive actions. The bill’s progress through Congress and its potential impact on the ongoing court challenges to Trump’s executive order will likely shape the future of U.S. citizenship rights.