WASHINGTON, D.C. – Shortly after his inauguration, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, including a controversial directive on immigration that has drawn criticism and legal challenges.
The orders included a declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, plans for mass deportations, and a proposal to end birthright citizenship.
These measures have sparked immediate responses from legal experts and state officials, including Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.
Reaction from Connecticut Officials
Attorney General Tong voiced strong opposition to the immigration-focused executive order, emphasizing the fear and uncertainty it has caused among immigrant families in Connecticut.
“A lot of families and a lot of people I have heard from are scared, and they have a right to be scared,” Tong stated.
He further warned of the potential economic and social fallout, noting, “If you want to blow up Connecticut’s economy, let’s deport 100,000 people tomorrow. That would do great damage to our economy.”
Tong also expressed concerns about the legality of the orders, suggesting they may violate state sovereignty and existing legal protections. “We’re going to act in real time and immediately to whatever the president does that may adversely impact Connecticut,” he added.
Legal Challenges to Birthright Citizenship
The executive order’s proposal to end birthright citizenship has drawn significant scrutiny.
Kenneth Gray, a University of New Haven professor and former FBI agent, pointed out that such a change would require a constitutional amendment.
“The 14th Amendment says anyone born in the United States is a citizen. That would require a change to the amendment, which I don’t think he’ll have the votes to do that,” Gray explained.
Deportation Focus on Major Cities
According to reports, deportation efforts will prioritize immigrants with criminal records in major cities such as Chicago, Denver, and Washington, D.C. However, Connecticut families are not exempt from these operations.
Attorney General Tong emphasized the impact on his state, vowing to protect immigrant families from what he described as “unfair and unjust prosecution.”
Looking Ahead
Deportation operations are expected to begin in major cities within the next week, potentially escalating tensions between the federal government and states like Connecticut.
As legal challenges loom, the debate over Trump’s immigration policies is likely to dominate headlines in the coming weeks.
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