NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) — Massachusetts is now one of 18 states suing President Donald Trump’s administration over his plan to end birthright citizenship, which is when someone born on U.S. soil is considered an American citizen, even if their parents aren’t.

Birthright citizenship was part of an executive order that focused on immigration. As part of the order, the president also intends to send troops to the United States-Mexico border, end asylum access, and suspend the refugee program. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued a statement and said: “President Trump thinks he can ignore the constitution and deny birthright citizenship from thousands of innocent children. It’s a cruel, egregious overstep of his authority. We’re suing to stop this unlawful plan in its tracks.”

Rev. Eric Cherry, interim minister of the Unitarian Society of Northampton and Florence, told Western Mass News these executive orders go against the history of his church. Despite these new orders, Cherry said his congregation will continue to uphold their moral values of treating those seeking asylum as neighbors. “Our religious tradition believes that people who are born in the United States are entitled to be citizens that was an important change that followed the abolition of slavery,” he said. “We will be a part of the wide diverse group of people who resist efforts to change that amendment to the constitution.”

Cherry is referencing the 14th Amendment. He also told us his church provided sanctuary to immigrants in the past. When asked what steps the church is willing to take going forward to protect immigrants under the new administration, Cherry said that’s contingent upon what happens in the days ahead. “Much will depend upon the shape of the unjust actions the federal government takes. We’re glad to know the leaders in the state and city are not going to support illegal and unjust efforts and we will find our ways to support our neighbors as well,” he explained.

Cherry told us his congregation will take tackle the issues that come from these executive orders one day at a time.

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