United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship, a constitutional right upheld for over 125 years. The move, announced on Monday, seeks to reshape federal immigration and border policies, though it is expected to face significant legal challenges.
Birthright Citizenship Under Threat
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution explicitly states that “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.” This provision has long been interpreted to guarantee citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
However, Trump’s directive instructs federal agencies to deny citizenship-related documents to:
- Children born in the U.S. to mothers who are in the country illegally.
- Children whose mothers hold temporary visas and whose fathers are neither U.S. citizens nor legal permanent residents.
The executive order, which is not retroactive, mandates enforcement within 30 days. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups swiftly filed lawsuits, calling the action unconstitutional.
Invoking "Extraordinary" Presidential Powers
President Trump also issued sweeping actions to tighten border controls. Citing "extraordinary presidential powers," he suspended asylum laws, claiming migrants posed an invasion and public health threat. The directive empowers officials to "repel, repatriate, or remove" migrants attempting to cross the U.S. border.
This measure allows the government to disregard existing American asylum laws until Trump determines that the "invasion" at the southern border has ceased.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
Legal experts argue that Trump's order challenges established constitutional principles. The Supreme Court has repeatedly affirmed the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship, making the order vulnerable to judicial invalidation.
Advocacy groups and immigration activists have condemned the measures, warning of the humanitarian and legal implications. Critics accuse the administration of undermining constitutional rights and fueling anti-immigrant sentiment.
Broader Implications
The executive orders mark a significant escalation in Trump’s immigration agenda, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle. The controversy underscores the tension between presidential authority and constitutional protections, with far-reaching consequences for U.S. immigration policy and human rights.
As the legal challenges unfold, the fate of birthright citizenship—and broader immigration laws—will likely remain a contentious issue in American politics.
