Rhode Island House Bill H5226

Rhode Island 2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/29/25
• Refer: 1/29/25

Caption

HOUSE RESOLUTION CONDEMNING PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER TO WITHDRAW CITIZENSHIP FROM CHILDREN BORN IN THE UNITED STATES TO UNDOCUMENTED PARENTS

Impact

The resolution points to potential consequences of overturning birthright citizenship, including an increase in the undocumented population and significant harm to American families who would be affected by such policies. It cites research predicting that ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants could lead to a rise of approximately 4.7 million unauthorized individuals in the United States by 2050. By taking a stand against the executive order, the resolution aims to reaffirm the value and importance of family unity and the principles of justice and fairness in immigration policy.

Summary

House Resolution 5226 is a legislative response to President Donald Trump's executive order that seeks to withdraw citizenship from children born in the United States to undocumented parents. Introduced in January 2025, the resolution condemns this move as not only illegal but also immoral. The resolution highlights the longstanding principle of birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution, which guarantees automatic citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' immigration status.

Contention

Notably, the resolution reflects a strong bipartisan concern among many legislators about the implications of amending immigration policy in such a fundamental way. It calls for the Secretary of State to transmit certified copies of the resolution to President Trump and Rhode Island's Congressional Delegation, signaling the state's formal opposition to the executive order. The resolution is backed by multiple representatives, underscoring a collective legislative effort to protect established citizenship rights and counter what they view as an aggressive anti-immigrant agenda.

Notable_points

The resolution mentions that over thirty states have already filed lawsuits against the executive order, illustrating significant legal and political pushback. These actions signify that the matter is not merely a local issue but encompasses broader national implications concerning the rights of individuals born in the U.S. and the treatment of immigrant families.