In a dramatic move set to reshape U.S. immigration policy, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship a right guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution for over 125 years.
.jpg)
This action, part of a series of sweeping executive orders targeting immigration, has already triggered legal challenges from civil rights groups and sparked a nationwide debate over constitutional protections.
Trump’s order instructs federal agencies to stop issuing passports, citizenship certificates, and other documentation to children born in the U.S. if their parents do not meet specific criteria.
It specifically targets children born to mothers who are undocumented immigrants, temporary visa holders, or whose fathers lack U.S. citizenship or legal permanent residency. The order, which is not retroactive, is set to take effect in 30 days.
Defending his decision, Trump declared, “As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is what I’m going to do.”
However, within hours of the announcement, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups filed lawsuits challenging the action, claiming it violates the 14th Amendment.
The amendment explicitly states, “All persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
For decades, this clause has been interpreted to mean that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Beyond its implications for birthright citizenship, the executive order also suspends adherence to existing U.S. asylum laws.
Trump has cited his “extraordinary presidential powers” to declare an “invasion” at the southern border, accusing migrants of endangering public health and security.
The order authorizes officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants, effectively halting their entry into the U.S. until Trump determines that the border situation has stabilized.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from legal experts, lawmakers, and immigrant rights groups. Critics argue that the order undermines constitutional guarantees and violates America’s commitments to international asylum protocols.
Constitutional scholars predict that the executive order, if enforced, will likely lead to a lengthy legal battle, possibly culminating in a Supreme Court showdown.
As Trump’s bold policy agenda unfolds, the nation braces for a contentious fight over the balance of power, constitutional rights, and the future of U.S. immigration law a battle that could reshape the nation’s legal and social landscape for decades to come.