Following the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling on birthright citizenship, Hawaiʻi Attorney General Anne Lopez expressed her disagreement and said the legal effort will continue. In a statement, Lopez said, “The plain text of the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is clear: all persons born in the United States are citizens of our nation,” according to the Office of the Governor.
Three federal judges previously ruled that an executive order ending birthright citizenship was unconstitutional. The Supreme Court did not change that ruling, stating that “today’s decision concerns the issue of the scope of injunctive relief.” The Court also noted that nationwide injunctions can be appropriate to protect states like Hawaiʻi. Solicitor General Kalikoʻonālani Fernandes and Special Assistant to the Attorney General Dave Day said they will continue to represent the state. Lopez stated, “Nothing in the Supreme Court’s decision today modifies the judges’ decision that a presidential declaration purporting to end birthright citizenship is unlawful, unconstitutional and a dishonorable stain on our great country,” and added, “Our case is still very much alive,” as reported by the Office of the Governor.
Hawaiʻi seems resolute to unwaveringly pursue the rule of law and the birthright citizenship rights of its people. Lopez looks to "We look forward to protecting the rule of law and the inalienable rights of the people of Hawaiʻi," as an opportunity for the states to continue to make their case is clearly presented by the Supreme Court's decision. The legal case continues to raise questions about the limits of executive authority and the constitutional rights guaranteed to individuals in the United States, as stated by the Office of the Governor.
