William Tong, the Attorney General of Connecticut, is determined to protect birthright citizenship. This right lets anyone born in the U. S. become a citizen, no matter their parents' status. Tong’s own story reflects this: he’s the first in his family born here, with immigrant parents from China and Taiwan. He grew up working in his family’s restaurant, showing that the American Dream is real.

President Trump wants to end this right, saying it shouldn’t apply to kids of undocumented immigrants. Many legal experts think the 14th Amendment makes it clear: all U. S. -born people are citizens. Even James Ho, a judge appointed by Trump, once agreed. But some conservatives argue that the wording might not cover kids of undocumented immigrants.

Tong isn’t having it. He believes ending birthright citizenship goes against the Constitution and could hurt many communities. He’s not alone; 22 other Democratic state attorneys general likely feel the same. The battle could be tough, though, with a conservative Supreme Court. But Tong is ready. He’ll be the first to sue if Trump tries to make these changes.

The Birthright Battle: One Attorney General's Fight for Immigration Rights

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