Former President Trump's executive order aiming to revoke birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants continues to fuel intense debate and legal challenges. Trump maintains the 14th Amendment, often cited as the basis for birthright citizenship, was intended for formerly enslaved individuals, not those residing in the country illegally.
The executive order, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," asserts that automatic citizenship shouldn't apply to those born in the U.S. if their parents are here unlawfully or on a temporary legal status. This move has been met with resistance, with numerous Democratic-led states, cities, and civil rights organizations filing lawsuits to block its implementation. Several federal judges have issued temporary injunctions against the order as it navigates the judicial system.
Image: President Trump's executive order has garnered support from some Republicans in Congress, particularly those representing border states. (Getty Images)
Image: Protests against Trump's immigration policies have occurred across the country. (FOX 11 Los Angeles)
Image: Border security remains a central point of contention in the immigration debate. (James Breeden for New York Post / Mega)
Conversely, several Republican states and organizations like America First Legal have filed amicus briefs supporting the order, arguing its constitutionality and alignment with the 14th Amendment's original intent. Dan Epstein, Vice President of America First Legal, contends the amendment's clause "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" signifies that citizens must pledge allegiance to the United States, not a foreign entity. Epstein anticipates the case will reach the Supreme Court, where he believes it will be upheld. He maintains that the legal interpretation is straightforward and expects the Court to concur.
