U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a longstanding right protected by the U.S. Constitution. The order, which challenges the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, seeks to prevent children born on U.S. soil to undocumented parents from automatically receiving citizenship.
The 14th Amendment has guaranteed that anyone born in the United States is a citizen, regardless of their parents’ legal status, for more than 125 years. However, Trump’s directive mandates that federal agencies cease issuing key documents, such as passports and citizenship certificates, to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen or illegal immigrant parents. The new policy is set to take effect in 30 days and will not apply retroactively.
Trump’s decision to end birthright citizenship is expected to spark intense legal battles. Hours after the executive order was issued, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups filed lawsuits challenging its constitutionality, arguing that the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause is clear in guaranteeing citizenship to anyone born in the U.S.
In addition to the birthright citizenship order, Trump also signed a broader series of executive actions aimed at reshaping U.S. immigration policy. One of the most controversial measures is his suspension of asylum laws, citing the so-called “invasion” at the southern border and claiming it poses a threat to public health. The executive order gives federal officials broad powers to repel, repatriate, or remove migrants attempting to enter the U.S.
