President Donald Trump’s ban on birthright citizenship, which would redefine who is considered an American, will be reviewed by the Supreme Court. The policy, aimed at limiting immigration and addressing national security concerns, has been challenged by lower courts as unconstitutional.
The 14th Amendment states that those born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are U.S. citizens. However, Trump’s administration claims this interpretation is “mistaken” and instead suggests it should be applied only to children of citizens, not those born to non-citizens or visiting temporarily.
Most legal experts disagree with the administration’s interpretation, pointing to landmark cases such as Wong Kim Ark, in which a Chinese immigrant was deemed a U.S. citizen under the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court will now hear the case on an expedited basis and determine whether birthright citizenship is constitutional.
The issue of birthright citizenship has sparked controversy, with estimates suggesting around 250,000 babies were born to mothers who are in the country illegally or on a temporary basis in 2023 alone. Legal experts believe the court’s decision will have significant implications for immigration policy and national identity.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/12/05/supreme-court-birthright-citizenship-trump