Fact Check

Trump Moves to End Birthright Citizenship in Landmark Executive Order

United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the US Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years.

The decision is expected to face fierce legal challenges and has reignited debates on immigration policies and constitutional rights.

The 14th Amendment to the US 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.” For decades, this clause has been interpreted to grant citizenship to anyone born on American soil, irrespective of their parents’ immigration status.

On Monday, Trump issued a series of executive actions to overhaul immigration and border policies, including an order directing federal agencies to stop issuing citizenship-related documents to children born in the US to undocumented immigrants, temporary visa holders, or non-permanent residents.

In a statement, Trump justified the order, saying, “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.”

The order has sparked immediate legal backlash. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups filed lawsuits in federal court hours after the announcement, arguing that the move directly contradicts constitutional provisions.

Trump’s executive order also suspends certain asylum laws, with the president citing extraordinary powers to address what he called an “invasion” at the southern border. The order authorizes officials to prevent the physical entry of migrants until Trump declares the border crisis resolved.

The new policies are set to take effect in 30 days and will not apply retroactively.

However, immigration experts warn of the potential for widespread confusion and legal challenges during the implementation phase.

Critics accuse the Trump administration of undermining constitutional rights and weaponizing immigration policy, while supporters argue that the president is taking necessary steps to protect national security and address border challenges.

As the legal battle unfolds, the implications of this executive order could reshape the United States’ immigration landscape for years to come.

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