Nigerians in Diaspora Condemn Trump’s Move to Cancel Citizenship by Birth
Nigerians in diaspora have joined the chorus of condemnation against President Donald Trump’s move to cancel citizenship by birth, a right guaranteed by the American constitution. The move, which was announced through an executive order, declares that the federal government will no longer recognize the U.S. citizenship of babies born on U.S. soil if their mother is unlawfully present or has temporary lawful status, and their father is not a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
Reaction from Nigerians in Diaspora
Nigerians in diaspora have expressed outrage and disappointment over the move, describing it as an overreach of presidential power and a clear attempt to undermine the 14th Amendment. Many have taken to social media to condemn the move, arguing that it is unconstitutional and discriminatory.
“This move is a clear attack on the fundamental principles of American democracy,” said Dr. Olalekan Adeyemi, a Nigerian-American scholar. “The 14th Amendment is clear: anyone born on U.S. soil is a U.S. citizen. This executive order is a blatant attempt to undermine that right.”
Implications of the Executive Order
The implications of this executive order are far-reaching and have already sparked widespread condemnation. Many argue that it will only serve to further marginalize and disenfranchise already vulnerable communities.
“This move will have a disproportionate impact on immigrant communities, including Nigerians,” said Mr. Femi Falana, a Nigerian human rights lawyer. “It is a clear attempt to restrict the rights of certain groups and to redefine what it means to be an American citizen.”
Constitutional Implications
The executive order has also raised serious constitutional implications. Many argue that it is a clear overreach of presidential power and that only Congress has the authority to amend the constitution.
“The president cannot unilaterally amend the constitution through an executive order,” said Professor Tunji Abayomi, a Nigerian-American constitutional law expert. “This move is a clear attempt to undermine the separation of powers and the rule of law.”
Legal Challenges
The executive order is already facing multiple lawsuits, and its implementation may be halted through the courts. Many organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC), have announced plans to challenge the order in court.
“We will not stand idly by while the president attempts to undermine the constitution and the rights of vulnerable communities,” said Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure that this executive order is struck down.”
The move by President Trump to cancel citizenship by birth has sparked widespread condemnation from Nigerians in diaspora and other communities. The executive order has raised serious constitutional implications and has already faced multiple lawsuits. As the legal challenges unfold, one thing is clear: this move is a clear attempt to undermine the fundamental principles of American democracy.
