Fact Check: "21 states support Trump's controversial citizenship proposal"
What We Know
The claim that "21 states support Trump's controversial citizenship proposal" is misleading. In fact, 22 states have taken legal action against President Trump's executive order that seeks to deny birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants. This order was challenged in federal courts by attorneys general from these states, who argue that the order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status (New York Times, AP News). The states involved in the lawsuit include New Jersey, California, Massachusetts, and others, totaling 22 states and two cities, San Francisco and Washington, D.C. (New York Times).
Analysis
The assertion that 21 states support Trump's proposal is fundamentally incorrect. The legal actions taken by 22 states represent a clear opposition to the proposal rather than support. The states argue that the president does not have the authority to alter the Constitution through executive order, a sentiment echoed by legal experts who predict that the order is likely to be struck down in court (New York Times, AP News).
The claim may stem from confusion regarding the number of states involved in the lawsuits against the executive order. While some reports may refer to 21 states, the correct number is 22, and all of these states are actively opposing the citizenship proposal (Washington Post, NBC News).
Conclusion
The verdict is False. The claim that "21 states support Trump's controversial citizenship proposal" misrepresents the situation. In reality, 22 states are suing to block the proposal, indicating a strong opposition rather than support. This legal challenge underscores the widespread concern over the constitutionality of the executive order and the implications it would have on birthright citizenship in the United States.
