President Trump's executive order challenging birthright citizenship will face its first legal test in a Seattle courtroom Thursday.

The U.S. is among about 30 countries where birthright citizenship — the principle of jus soli or “right of the soil” — is applied.

Four Democratic-led states will urge a federal judge in Seattle on Thursday to block U.S. President Donald Trump's administration from enforcing the Republican's executive order curtailing the right to automatic birthright citizenship in the United States.

This is where Mr Trump’s talk of an “invasion” becomes more than rhetorical bombast. Framing the cartels as terrorists invading America is meant to legitimise his use of the law. And because America is being invaded, Mr Trump argues, he can block anyone from crossing the border. The courts may not see it that way. ■

Four immigration court officials were removed from their positions on Monday. It’s unclear who is in charge at this point.

In line with Trump’s edict, CNN’s Natasha Bertrand, Priscilla Alvarez, Haley Britzky and Oren Liebermann report. They’re expected to beef up existing operations to support Customs and Border Protection,