Since returning to office in January, Donald Trump has aggressively prioritized immigration reform, reviving his push to end birthright citizenship. This constitutional right, granted under the 14th Amendment, ensures that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a citizen—regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Trump’s administration is now seeking to exclude children born to non-permanent residents, including undocumented immigrants and temporary visa holders.
Although a prior executive order to revoke birthright citizenship was blocked by courts, Trump is doubling down. Taking to Truth Social, he argued that the 14th Amendment was intended solely to protect the children of formerly enslaved people after the Civil War—not modern-day migrants. He called the current application of the law “abused,” “outdated,” and “a scam” used by people seeking to exploit U.S. citizenship.
Trump urged the Supreme Court to revisit the interpretation of the amendment, citing its historical origins in 1866—well before large-scale global immigration. He insisted the Founders could not have foreseen today’s immigration landscape and argued that birthright citizenship encourages illegal entry and benefits drug cartels.
