In a significant move to safeguard the rights of its residents, Maryland is considering a constitutional amendment that would affirm birthright citizenship and ensure state protections for all individuals born within its borders. This initiative comes in response to recent federal actions and Supreme Court rulings that have placed the 14th Amendment’s guarantee of birthright citizenship under threat, creating a precarious situation for millions of immigrant families across the United States.

The proposed amendment aims to declare that anyone born in Maryland is a Marylander, entitled to full protection under state law, irrespective of their immigration status. This measure seeks to prevent discrimination by state or local governments based on citizenship, potentially influencing how services are delivered, the treatment of undocumented students in schools, police cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and eligibility for local benefits.

Maryland’s immigrant population, which constitutes 17% of the state’s residents and 21.7% of its labor force, stands to be directly impacted by these changes. With approximately 140,000 undocumented residents contributing significantly to the state’s economy, the amendment represents a critical step toward ensuring their safety and inclusion. The state’s history of proactive measures, such as legalizing same-sex marriage and safeguarding reproductive freedom ahead of federal rollbacks, positions it as a leader in protecting civil rights amidst national uncertainty.

The urgency of this amendment is underscored by the recent Supreme Court decision in Trump v. CASA, which eliminated the ability of lower courts to issue universal injunctions against unconstitutional federal policies. This ruling has left immigrant communities vulnerable to immediate harm from federal policies, with legal challenges offering no timely remedy. By enshrining birthright protections in its constitution, Maryland could set a national precedent, reinforcing the values of dignity and belonging for all its residents.

As the debate over birthright citizenship intensifies, Maryland’s proposed amendment highlights the state’s commitment to leading with moral clarity and protecting its residents from the shifting sands of federal policy. This initiative not only addresses the immediate threats faced by immigrant families but also reaffirms the state’s role as a defender of civil rights and equality.

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