On his first day in office as the 47th president of the United States, Donald Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born to illegal immigrants in the U.S. The historic signing took place at the White House, approximately eight hours after his inauguration.
Addressing the nation, Trump called the decision a milestone. “People have been wanting this for decades,” he stated. The executive order marks a significant shift in U.S. immigration policy and fulfills one of Trump’s key campaign promises.
Earlier in the day, White House officials provided details of the policy, confirming that children born to illegal immigrants on U.S. soil will no longer be granted automatic citizenship. The rule applies to future cases and does not retroactively affect those already granted citizenship under the previous policy.
The move is expected to ignite legal challenges, with critics arguing it could violate the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. The amendment states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.” Legal experts predict prolonged debates in the courts over the interpretation and applicability of this clause.
Despite the potential legal hurdles, Trump’s decision has been met with support from his base, who see it as a decisive action on immigration reform. However, opponents, including immigrant rights advocates, have strongly criticized the move, calling it unconstitutional and harmful to vulnerable communities.
As legal battles loom, the executive order sets the stage for a contentious chapter in America’s immigration policy.
