Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship: A Bold Step or Legal Controversy?

Babatunji Wusu –

• Donald Trump signed an executive order to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to illegal immigrants.
• The signing occurred at the White House, nearly eight hours after his inauguration.
• Trump characterized the move as a long-awaited decision, stating it was something “people have been wanting for decades.”
• The new policy, as outlined by White House officials, will cease the automatic grant of citizenship for future children of illegal immigrants born on U.S. soil.
• While Trump had previously discussed this issue during his campaign, the decision is expected to prompt legal challenges, particularly in relation to the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship.

On his first day in office, President Donald Trump took decisive action by signing an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are in the country illegally. The order was signed at the White House, shortly after his inauguration. In a statement, Trump described the measure as an important step, emphasizing that it was a move long desired by many.

White House officials clarified that the new policy would apply only to future cases, ensuring that children born to illegal immigrants on U.S. soil would no longer automatically acquire citizenship. This decision, which Trump had addressed during his presidential campaign, is expected to trigger significant legal discussions, particularly regarding its potential conflict with the 14th Amendment. This amendment guarantees that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” are citizens, raising questions about the constitutionality of the executive order.