Trump Questions Birthright Citizenship History
US President Donald Trump has argued that birthright citizenship in the United States was originally intended to apply only to the children of enslaved people after the Civil War, not to children of immigrants. His comments follow months of political and legal debate around his order to restrict automatic citizenship.
Executive Order Under Review
Trump signed an executive order earlier this year seeking to end citizenship for children born in the US to parents who are undocumented or only on temporary visas. The order is currently blocked by courts and will now be examined by the US Supreme Court. Judges are expected to determine whether the change is consistent with the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution.
Historical Dispute
Supporters of Trump’s argument say the clause was drafted specifically to protect freed slaves after the war. Critics note that the text of the amendment — “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” — has been interpreted for decades to include almost everyone born on American soil, regardless of parent status. Leading legal scholars say the amendment’s meaning has been settled through previous rulings.
What Comes Next
The Supreme Court hearing is expected to have major consequences. If the order is upheld, thousands of children born to undocumented or temporary visa-holders could lose automatic citizenship. The decision may also influence future immigration and civil rights policies. The final judgment is expected next year.
