In brief
The Trump administration has filed an appeal with the Supreme Court to uphold a controversial order that denies birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. With lower courts blocking these restrictions, the case is poised for a potential ruling by summer 2024. Critics argue the executive order undermines constitutional protections established by the 14th Amendment, while supporters assert it is essential for border security and immigration control.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump's administration is taking steps to ask the Supreme Court to uphold his order regarding birthright citizenship. The order states that children born to parents in the United States illegally or temporarily do not qualify as American citizens.
The appeal, shared with The Associated Press, initiates a legal process at the Supreme Court that may result in a decisive verdict regarding the constitutionality of these citizenship restrictions by early summer 2024.
Currently, lower court judges have issued rulings preventing the enforcement of these restrictions. The administration is not requesting that the restrictions be implemented while the Supreme Court deliberates.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer asserted in a statement, The lower court's decisions have invalidated a crucial policy for the president's administration, jeopardizing border security through unjustified citizenship privileges granted to unqualified individuals.
Cody Wofsy, an ACLU representative advocating for affected children, condemned the administration's stance, labeling the executive order as unconstitutional. In his words, This executive order is illegal, full stop, and no amount of maneuvering from the administration is going to change that. Wofsy emphasized the organization's commitment to protecting the citizenship rights of all children born in America.
Trump's executive order aims to reverse more than 125 years of precedent dictated by the Constitution's 14th Amendment, which ensures citizenship for all individuals born on U.S. soil, with narrow exceptions for the children of foreign diplomats.
Lower courts have consistently ruled against the executive order, deeming it likely unconstitutional. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled in July that states impacted by the order required nationwide injunctions to mitigate potential legal issues arising from inconsistent citizenship statuses across states.
Birthright citizenship, rooted in the 14th Amendment, automatically provides American citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, including children of undocumented parents.
