President Donald Trump Signs Order to End Birthright Citizenship

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending what he calls “unlimited birthright citizenship” for children born to non-U.S. citizen parents within the United States.

Signed on his first day back in office, the order seeks to reinterpret the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” The new directive states that children born to parents who are not U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents will no longer automatically receive U.S. citizenship.

This move fulfills a long-standing campaign promise, with Trump often criticizing the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment as a “magnet” for illegal immigration. The order is part of a broader immigration strategy announced on Inauguration Day, including increased deportations and a halt to refugee resettlement.

Legal experts and civil rights organizations have already voiced strong opposition, arguing the order violates the clear text of the 14th Amendment and established Supreme Court rulings, such as United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898). Critics maintain that such a fundamental change requires a constitutional amendment, not executive action.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta has pledged to challenge the order in court, stating, “He cannot undermine constitutional protections through executive authority.” The ACLU and other advocacy groups have filed lawsuits asserting the order’s unconstitutionality.

Supporters, including some conservative legal scholars, argue that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” has been misinterpreted and should exclude children of undocumented immigrants. They view the measure as a critical step to address illegal immigration, though its legality remains hotly debated.

The order is expected to face extensive legal battles, likely leading to a Supreme Court review. The outcome could redefine citizenship policies and influence future immigration reforms, highlighting the ongoing divisiveness of immigration policy in the U.S. political arena.