On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump issued a sweeping executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship in the United States. This move, part of a broader immigration strategy, has ignited legal challenges and raised constitutional questions. The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868 to grant citizenship and rights to formerly enslaved individuals, stands at the center of this controversy. A coalition of 18 states filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court in Massachusetts, arguing that Trump's order violates the Constitution.
During his inauguration speech, Trump reiterated his commitment to ending birthright citizenship. He claimed that the United States is uniquely positioned in granting citizenship through birth—a statement contradicted by a Law Library of Congress report that identifies over 30 countries worldwide with similar policies. The executive order mandates that starting February 19, U.S.-born babies must have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to acquire citizenship.
"All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside" – 14th Amendment
The Trump administration argues that this order will bolster the vetting and screening of illegal aliens, suggesting it as a necessary measure for national security. However, this "unorthodox view" faces opposition from the majority of constitutional lawyers, as noted by the Cato Institute. The Supreme Court has consistently affirmed birthright citizenship despite numerous challenges, according to the American Immigration Council.
"All illegal entry will be immediately halted and we will begin the process of returning millions and millions of illegal aliens back to the places from which they came" – Donald Trump
The president's Agenda47 policy platform heavily featured the termination of guaranteed birthright citizenship. As part of implementing this agenda, the Trump administration suspended the CBP One app, previously used by migrants to secure immigration appointments. In addition to the Massachusetts lawsuit, the ACLU has initiated a separate legal challenge in New Hampshire on behalf of immigrant advocacy groups.
"The federal government will not recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal aliens born in the United States. We are also going to enhance vetting and screening of illegal aliens" – Trump official
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