By Felicia Udeji
Barely 24 hours into his presidency, Donald Trump has sparked a legal firestorm by signing an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the United States. The order, issued Monday night, directs federal agencies to deny U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil if at least one parent is not a U.S. citizen or green card holder.
The controversial move challenges the longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed citizenship to anyone born in the U.S. for over a century. Immigration advocates wasted no time in responding, filing a federal lawsuit in New Hampshire within hours of the order being signed. The suit, backed by groups representing Indonesian migrants, Latinos, and Dreamers, argues that Trump’s action is unconstitutional.
The executive order, set to take effect in 30 days, would also deny passports to affected children, a move critics say could strip thousands of their legal status. State officials from California, Illinois, and other jurisdictions have already signaled intentions to join the legal battle against the directive.
While some legal scholars argue the Supreme Court could support stricter interpretations of the 14th Amendment, most experts contend Trump lacks the authority to alter birthright citizenship without Congressional approval. As the lawsuits mount, the stage is set for a monumental legal showdown over one of America’s core constitutional principles.