President-elect Donald Trump has promised to end birthright citizenship as soon as he takes office, aiming to restrict immigration and redefine what it means to be American. However, efforts to halt the policy would face significant legal hurdles.
Birthright citizenship allows anyone born in the US to automatically become a citizen, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. It was introduced decades ago and applies to children of undocumented immigrants or those with temporary visas who plan to return home. While not unique to the US, Trump argues that the system is being abused, creating an incentive for people to enter the country illegally.
Critics, including Eric Ruark from NumbersUSA, argue that ending birthright citizenship would be a bad idea, citing its importance in integrating immigrants and their children into society. Alex Nowrasteh from the Cato Institute counters that tougher standards could help prevent abuse without sacrificing this right.
The 14th Amendment to the Constitution grants citizenship to all born or naturalized in the US, but its application to children of undocumented immigrants is unclear. Trump has suggested using an executive order or congressional action to end birthright citizenship, despite concerns that such a move would be unconstitutional and face significant legal challenges.
Source: https://www.mississippifreepress.org/trump-promises-to-end-birthright-citizenship-what-is-it-and-could-he-do-it