The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that an executive order by former President Donald Trump attempting to end birthright citizenship was unconstitutional [1, 2, 3].
The decision preserves a fundamental pillar of American immigration law by affirming that the government cannot unilaterally strip citizenship from individuals born within the United States. This ruling prevents the executive branch from bypassing the legislative process to redefine who is eligible for citizenship at birth.
In an opinion issued June 25, 2024 [1, 2], the Court found that the 14th Amendment of the Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil [1, 2]. The majority concluded that the executive order exceeded presidential authority and violated the established legal framework of the country [1, 2].
Six justices joined the majority in the ruling [2]. The court relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment and federal law to determine that birth on U.S. territory confers citizenship [1].
Mary Bruce of ABC News said, "This is a huge blow to one of President Trump’s signature immigration promises" [3].
The legal challenge centered on whether a president has the authority to restrict birthright citizenship via executive action. The Court's rejection of the order reinforces the principle that such a change would likely require a constitutional amendment, rather than a directive from the White House [1, 2].
According to the majority opinion, the ruling aligns with federal law and the historical interpretation of the Constitution [1].
“The Court found that the Constitution’s 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.”
This ruling reinforces the legal precedent that the 14th Amendment provides a nearly absolute guarantee of citizenship for those born in the U.S., regardless of their parents' legal status. By limiting the scope of executive power, the Court has signaled that fundamental changes to citizenship eligibility cannot be achieved through executive orders, effectively placing any future attempts to end birthright citizenship behind the high barrier of a constitutional amendment or comprehensive legislative overhaul.
