As President Donald Trump moves to restrict birthright citizenship through executive action, student organizations at the University are working to inform and support those who may be affected by the policy.
On Jan. 21, just after being sworn in for his second term, Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” declaring that, effective Feb. 19, the United States government will no longer issue or recognize citizenship documents for individuals born in the country if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.
Critics argue the order is a direct challenge to the 14th Amendment, which has long guaranteed birthright citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States.”
Groups like La Colectiva and I-CAUSE warn that the policy — whether upheld or not — could increase anxiety, misinformation and uncertainty for those navigating an already complex immigration system.
I-CAUSE, a student-led organization advocating for undocumented students at the University, has seen growing concern among its members and the broader campus community.
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Darwin Mizhquiri, vice president of education at I-CAUSE and junior in ACES, said fear and misinformation about the order have been spreading immensely.
“There is a lot of fearmongering with our administration,” Mizhquiri said. “Now more than ever, people need to be educated on what is going on … and we need to provide a space where people can … voice their opinions or fears.”
In response, I-CAUSE has increased its outreach efforts by hosting ally training workshops that provide updates on immigration policy, resources for undocumented students and guidance on how to handle interactions with immigration enforcement.
The group also actively maintains its social media presence to keep students informed about available campus resources.
La Colectiva, another student-led organization focused on Latino advocacy, has taken a similar approach, emphasizing the need for education and community support.
One of its key initiatives is “Dime”— Spanish for “Tell Me”— a monthly discussion series that creates space for students to engage in meaningful conversations on timely and relevant issues affecting their community.
“I feel like what the current administration is trying to do is divide us both as a community and as a nation,” said Angela Segura, fundraising chair of La Colectiva and junior in ACES. “By educating our community and showing our community that we are here for them … it is the biggest thing that we are trying to do.”
Legal scholars have been quick to weigh in on the order’s implications. Among them is Gerald L. Neuman, the director of the Human Rights Program at Harvard Law School. In an interview with Harvard Law Today, he criticized the executive order as an overreach of presidential power.
“I first want to mention that, by trying to do this by executive order, it is a violation of citizenship statutes as well — not just the Constitution,” Neuman said. “It is doubly unlawful.”
Several lawsuits have been brought by 22 states, and on Jan. 23, a federal judge issued a temporary block on the order, citing concerns over its legality.
Beyond the legal disputes, immigration advocates warn of widespread social and economic consequences. The order would affect not only undocumented families but also children of legal visa holders, potentially denying citizenship to those whose parents are living and working in the U.S. legally.
As of Feb. 19, the San Francisco-based Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump administration’s request for an emergency appeal that would have allowed the policy to take effect while legal battles continue.
U.S. Circuit Judge Danielle Forrest, a Trump appointee, authored the court’s opinion. She cautioned that rushing a decision could undermine public trust in the judiciary, which must remain free from political bias.
While the executive order remains in legal limbo, University student organizations are focused on support, advocacy and action.
“This is a long game; there is not going to be a clear or immediate solution, but it has always been about … being patient with yourself (and) being patient that change takes a long time,” Mizhquiri said.
