By Bo Tefu and Antonio Ray Harvey, California Black Media
California Atty. Gen Bonta Sues Trump Administration Over Birthright Citizenship Order
California Attorney General Rob Bonta, joined by 17 other state attorneys general, filed a lawsuit today challenging the Trump administration’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-lawful residents. The lawsuit asserts that the order violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on U.S. soil, a right upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898).
“The President’s executive order attempting to rescind birthright citizenship is blatantly unconstitutional and quite frankly, un-American,” said Bonta. “California condemns the President’s attempts to erase history and ignore 125 years of Supreme Court precedent. We are asking a court to immediately block this order from taking effect and ensure that the rights of American-born children remain intact.”
The executive order would direct federal agencies to deny American-born children social security numbers, U.S. passports, and other citizenship benefits if their parents are not lawful residents. This policy would impact tens of thousands of children born annually in the U.S., potentially stripping them of their rights and eligibility for federal benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program.
“The President has overstepped his authority by a mile with this order, and we will hold him accountable,” Bonta added.
Gov. Gavin Newsom expressed similar sentiments about the executive order.
“This is unconstitutional,” Newsom stated, simply opposing Trump’s decision.
The lawsuit argues that the order would disrupt vital public programs, particularly in states like California, where around 24,500 children are born to non-citizen parents each year.
The attorneys general sought a nationwide preliminary injunction to block the order while litigation continues, emphasizing the potential for irreparable harm to children and critical state programs. In addition to California, the lawsuit includes attorneys general from New Jersey, Massachusetts, and 15 other states, as well as the City of San Francisco.
On Jan. 23, Seattle-based U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order blocking Trump administration from enforcing or implementing the executive order.
U.S. Rep Kevin Kiley Introduces Bill to Prevent California From Providing Medi-Cal to Illegal Immigrants
Following President Donald Trump’s sweeping executive actions on immigration and mass deportations on his first day in office, Rep. Kevin Kiley (R-CA-3) unveiled a proposal to limit Medicaid benefits for undocumented immigrants. His “No Medicaid for Illegal Immigrants Act” seeks to prevent states from using both federal and state Medicaid funds to provide healthcare services to undocumented residents, with an exception for emergency care.
Kiley, who represents Northern California’s largest congressional district by geography, argued that the bill would save California taxpayers billions of dollars annually.
“This common-sense legislation ensures that taxpayer-funded healthcare benefits are preserved for those who lawfully qualify, prioritizing the needs of American citizens and legal residents while promoting fairness and fiscal responsibility,” stated Kiley in a press release.
The bill comes on the heels of California’s 2024 expansion of Medi-Cal, which extended healthcare coverage to all undocumented immigrants, adding about 750,000 adults ages 26 to 49 to the state’s health program. Medicaid, a joint federal and state program, provides health insurance to low-income individuals, including the elderly, disabled, and children.
The proposal has garnered significant attention regarding the state’s move to broaden healthcare access. While supporters argue the bill is necessary to curb costs, critics, including healthcare advocates, contend that restricting Medicaid access could harm vulnerable populations and increase emergency care costs.
Kiley’s bill will likely face opposition in the U.S. Senate, where Democrats have generally supported more inclusive healthcare policies.
Asm. Mike Gipson Throws Hat in 2026 Race for Board of Equalization
On Jan. 21, Assemblymember Mike Gipson (D-Carson) officially announced his candidacy for the California Board of Equalization (BOE) District 3 in the 2026 election. The announcement, accompanied by a statement, marks the start of a campaign that aims to tackle uncertainty related to California’s tax system, said Gipson.
Gipson also emphasized the need for effective leadership in California, especially as the state faces challenges such as devastating wildfires and the potential impacts of a second Trump administration.
“It is critical that our state has proven, effective leaders who will be diligent watchdogs of California’s tax system,” said Gipson.
He also highlighted his extensive background in public service, noting his tenure as Assemblymember, City Councilmember, and Police Officer, which has shaped his commitment to underserved communities.
Gipson says his campaign will focus on ensuring corporations pay their fair share in taxes, protecting taxpayers, and increasing transparency at the BOE.
“I’m running for the Board of Equalization to ensure our state has the resources needed to provide for the safety, security, and prosperity of all Californians,” Gipson said.
Gipson starts the race having raised $300,000 in funds and after receiving backing from local and statewide leaders, including California State Controller Malia M. Cohen, who praised his track record as a public servant.
“Mike has fought for Californians by ensuring unprecedented investments in affordable housing, strengthening our infrastructure, raising the minimum wage, and protecting taxpayers,” said Cohen.
Other endorsements include former Board of Equalization chairman Jerome Horton, Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, and Los Angeles City Councilmember Tim McOsker, who all praised Gipson’s leadership and commitment to transparency and fairness.
Gipson has served in the Assembly since 2014 and was the longest-serving Democratic Caucus Chair in California history. He currently chairs the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee.
Trump Expresses Support for H1-B Visas; Promises to Prosecute Local Officials on Immigration
In a surprising shift, President Donald Trump has reversed his stance on H-1B visas, now voicing support for the program that allows skilled foreign workers to temporarily work in the United States.
California has been central to national conversations related to H-1B visas because of the high number of residents, particularly in Silicon Valley, who hold those visas. Last year alone, more than 78,000 H-1B visas were approved for new and continuing employees in California.
After attempting to end the program during his first term, Trump now seems to have softened his position. “I have always been in favor of the visas. That’s why we have them. It’s a great program,” Trump said to the New York Post in December.
His comments align with tech leaders like Elon Musk, who has voiced his support for the program.
H-1B visas, vital to industries like high-technology manufacturing and communications, enable employers to hire highly skilled foreign workers for up to six years. However, Trump’s recent executive orders, including one aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, could pose challenges for the program’s future, supporters of the program say.
The controversial order seeks to deny U.S. citizenship to children born to parents on temporary visas, such as H-1B holders. While the order doesn’t explicitly target H-1B workers, it may discourage them from entering the program if their U.S.-born children cannot gain citizenship.
“I have many H-1B visas on my properties,” Trump added. “It’s a great program,” highlighting his connection to the visa system. However, immigration experts caution that his stance on birthright citizenship could have unintended consequences.
Immigration law professor Bill Hing noted that the order would prevent U.S.-born children of H-1B visa holders from gaining citizenship, though it wouldn’t affect the workers directly. Still, immigration attorney Deepak Ahluwalia warned that this could deter H-1B workers from staying in the U.S. long-term if they see no path to permanent residency for their children.
Trump’s shift on H-1B visas has opened a divide between two key factions of his base: the tech sector industry leaders, who advocate for more visas, and the ultranationalist Right wingers seeking to curtail immigration overall.
