Episode Details

On this episode of iHeartRadio’s West Michigan Weekend, host Phil Tower dives into one of the most consequential legal battles of the decade: the challenge to the executive order attempting to dismantle birthright citizenship.

Following oral arguments heard by the Supreme Court on April 1st, we speak with Brendan Beery, Constitutional Law Professor at Cooley Law School, to unpack the "Citizenship Clause" of the 14th Amendment.
We explore the legal precedents, the historical weight of the 1868 ratification, and what a potential June ruling could mean for thousands of families across the nation. 

In this episode, we discuss:

• The Case: A breakdown of Trump v. Barbara, the nationwide class action led by the ACLU, Asian Law Caucus, and more.
• Constitutional Stakes: Why legal experts argue the January 2025 executive order flouts the 14th Amendment and long-standing Supreme Court precedent.
• The Human Impact: Insights from co-counsel, including Cecillia Wang (ACLU) and Aarti Kohli (Asian Law Caucus), on why birthright citizenship is central to American identity.
• What’s Next: A timeline for the Supreme Court’s decision and the potential implications for the future of U.S. citizenship.

LINKS:

Cooley Law School Professor Brendan Beery  
Supreme Court Arguments Wrap in Landmark Challenge to Trump Birthright Citizenship Executive Order