U.S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a right protected by the U.S. Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years. The announcement came on Monday as part of a series of executive actions intended to reshape federal immigration and border policies.
In his inaugural address, Trump emphasized his commitment to defending the country from perceived threats, stating, “As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions.” Historically, the U.S. has recognized that anyone born on American soil is a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, as stated in the 14th Amendment.
Under the new order, federal agencies are directed to cease issuing passports and citizenship documents to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents or temporary visa holders. The change is set to take effect in 30 days but has already prompted legal challenges from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union.
Additionally, Trump invoked extraordinary presidential powers to suspend U.S. asylum laws, accusing migrants of staging an “invasion” at the southern border. This sweeping directive allows the government to halt adherence to asylum regulations until Trump determines that the situation at the border has improved.
As this controversial measure unfolds, the implications for immigration policy and civil rights in the U.S. are likely to be profound.
