Connecticut Attorney General William Tong, a Democrat, has boldly threatened to take legal action against President-elect Donald Trump if he follows through on his promise to eliminate birthright citizenship. Tong, speaking to MSNBC, declared, “I would be the first to sue” if Trump attempts to remove this provision, which grants automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S., even to parents who are in the country illegally.
Trump has made clear his intent to address what he views as a loophole in U.S. immigration policy, particularly in light of his plans for mass deportations during his second term. With former Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Tom Homan serving as “border czar” and South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem nominated to lead the Department of Homeland Security, Trump’s administration is set to take a hard stance on immigration and border security.
Tong, 51, was born to immigrants from Taiwan and China, and his personal experience plays a significant role in his stance on this issue. Reflecting on his rise from humble beginnings, Tong shared how his family worked together in a Chinese restaurant before he became the Attorney General of Connecticut. “That only happens in America,” he emphasized, highlighting his belief in the opportunities the U.S. provides to immigrants.
Despite strong Republican support for stricter immigration policies, including tougher border security and penalties for illegal immigration, Tong is determined to preserve birthright citizenship. While some argue that Trump’s goal of ending birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment rather than just an executive order, others maintain that the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause does not apply to children born to parents who are in the U.S. illegally.
As President-elect Trump prepares to take office, immigration is shaping up to be one of his top priorities, with birthright citizenship as a key focus of debate in his administration’s ongoing efforts to overhaul U.S. immigration law.