MONTEREY COUNTY — The County of Monterey has joined an amicus brief filed in federal court to oppose a recent executive order issued by President Donald Trump that seeks to limit birthright citizenship. The motion, filed by the Public Rights Project, urges the court to issue a preliminary injunction preventing the order from taking effect.
The case, “State of New Jersey, et al. v. Donald J. Trump, et al. (Case No.: 1-25-cv-10139),” was filed in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts and is supported by 72 jurisdictions across 24 states, including multiple local governments in California. Monterey County stands alongside the cities of Alameda, Oakland, Sacramento, Santa Monica and West Hollywood, as well as the County of Santa Clara, in challenging the legality and impact of the executive order.
The amicus brief highlights the harmful consequences of this order, particularly at the local level. If implemented, the executive order would:
- Strip citizenship rights from children born in the U.S. to certain immigrant parents, denying them fundamental rights such as voting, serving on juries and accessing federal financial aid for education;
- Restrict employment and benefits, barring individuals from obtaining work authorization and making them ineligible for key federal programs;
- Increase local government burdens, forcing counties like Monterey to develop new administrative processes for birth certificates, citizenship verification and social services; and
- Create economic and social instability, with ripple effects on local economies, public health and education.
“This executive order directly contradicts our nation’s constitutional principles and American values,” said Chris Lopez, Board of Supervisors chair. “Birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of our democracy, ensuring that all children born on U.S. soil are recognized as full citizens. The County of Monterey is committed to standing up for the rights of our residents and protecting the integrity of our community.”
Local governments face unique challenges due to this order, including administrative confusion and potential financial strain from having to provide services that the federal government would no longer support.
“The County of Monterey, like many other jurisdictions, would be forced to develop costly new systems to determine citizenship, impacting resources that could otherwise be used to serve residents,” stated the County in a news release Jan. 29.
The executive order also threatens to undermine the social fabric of local communities by creating a class of individuals with limited rights, restricting their ability to contribute fully as workers, educators, first responders and community leaders, according to the release.
“The County of Monterey joins this legal challenge because protecting birthright citizenship is not just about legal rights — it is about ensuring the future stability and success of our community,” stated the County. “The County will continue to advocate for policies that uphold justice, equality and the constitutional rights of all residents.”
UPDATE (2/5/25): A federal judge on Wednesday indefinitely blocked Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship nationwide.
