The Supreme Court ruled against President Trump and his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, on Tuesday.
On January 20, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14160, titled Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship. The Order would deny birthright citizenship to children born in the United States to parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. Under the Order, those children would not qualify for citizenship under the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution or the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA).
Several parents sued, arguing the Executive Order violates the 14th Amendment and the INA. The Supreme Court ruled in their favor, invalidating Trump’s executive order and upholding birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.
Governor Wes Moore’s Response
In response to this ruling, Gov. Wes Moore stated “as the son of an immigrant, single mom, I would not be here today without the promise that this country makes to every child born on its land: you belong here, no matter where your parents came from or how much money they had in their pocket.”
“This decision is a welcome relief to the immigrant communities across Maryland who have faced relentless attacks from this federal administration over the past two years,” said Moore in a statement.
Moore states that Maryland will continue to support its immigrant neighbors and communities.
County Executive Marc Elrich’s Response
Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich welcomed the ruling, saying it provides certainty for immigrant families. “The citizenship of babies born on American soil in this country should never have been in doubt,” Elrich said in a statement.
Elrich noted that the decision is particularly significant in Montgomery County, where “four in seven children have at least one immigrant parent.” He added that the ruling ensures their citizenship “is secure, not subject to the politics of the moment.”
Elrich also said the county would continue supporting immigrant communities through partnerships with organizations such as the Gilchrist Immigrant Resource Center.
“You belong here and so do your children,” he said.
