New York, NY— In response to President Donald J. Trump’s threat via the media outlet Axios to end birthright citizenship via executive order, Dale Buscher, senior director for programs at the Women’s Refugee Commission, issued the following statement:

“Let’s be clear here, this is about ginning up votes for next week’s midterm elections. President Trump’s modus operandi of fearmongering is the worst form of electioneering. It’s also blatantly unconstitutional. Our Constitution recognizes every human being born here and yet, this executive order, if issued, would create a whole new stateless generation.

“The Women’s Refugee Commission has seen first-hand what that means—especially for women and children—and the risk to a person’s well-being as a result of becoming stateless. Such a notion is not only morally repugnant—it is dangerous. Threats to roll back citizenship rights and attempts to drum up xenophobia are shameful tactics to seek electoral gains.”