The Trump administration has been vocal about its opposition to birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil. President Trump and his advisers have criticized the practice, calling it a “disgrace” and “the dumbest immigration policy in the world.” The Supreme Court is set to rule on a Trump executive order that challenges this long-standing policy, which has been part of U.S. law since the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868. This amendment was initially intended to ensure citizenship for former slaves and was later expanded to include children of immigrants. Trump argues that birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration, citing “birth tourism” as a concern. The upcoming Supreme Court decision could significantly impact immigration policy and the lives of many people born in the U.S.
QUESTION: How might changes to birthright citizenship affect families and communities in the United States?
FACT FOCUS: A look at the Trump administration’s challenge to birthright citizenship
