In a bold and controversial move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants. The order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” challenges over 150 years of constitutional protections granted under the 14th Amendment, which ensures citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
“It’s a good one. Birthright, that’s a big one,” Trump said from the Oval Office while signing a series of immigration-related orders. “It’s ridiculous. We’re the only country in the world that does this with birthright, as you know, and it’s just absolutely ridiculous. We think we have really good grounds. People have wanted to do this for decades.”
However, Trump’s statement misrepresents global practices, as dozens of countries also provide birthright citizenship.
The executive order, which will take effect after a 30-day waiting period, mandates that children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants will no longer be recognized as citizens. It directs federal departments, including the State Department, Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security, to enforce the order and bars state and local authorities from issuing documents recognizing such individuals as U.S. citizens.
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Immediate Backlash and Legal Hurdles
The move has been met with swift criticism from Democrats and legal experts, who argue the order is unconstitutional. Senator Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) expressed her outrage, stating, “The Constitution is clear: If you are born in the United States, you are an American citizen. Donald Trump’s attempt to take Americans’ birthright citizenship away is extreme, unconstitutional, and illegal. I will do everything in my power to protect Nevadans’ Constitutional rights.”
Legal scholars anticipate the order will face immediate challenges in court, given its direct conflict with the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause. The amendment, ratified in 1868, was designed to grant citizenship to all individuals born or naturalized in the U.S., including formerly enslaved individuals.
Broader Implications
The executive order is part of a broader slate of actions signed by Trump just hours after his inauguration, signaling his intent to reshape federal immigration policy. These actions include an expanded role for the military in border security, the suspension of asylum processing, and the reinstatement of the controversial “Remain in Mexico” policy.
Critics argue that these measures reflect an aggressive and divisive approach to immigration. Supporters, however, see the move as a long-overdue step to tighten U.S. borders and redefine the nation’s immigration framework.
As the legal battles unfold, the order’s impact will undoubtedly become a focal point in debates over constitutional rights and immigration reform. With significant opposition and legal uncertainty looming, the future of Trump’s executive order—and its implications for millions—remains in the balance.
