Donald Trump urged the U.S. Congress to begin legislative reform to repeal birthright citizenship [1].
The move targets a fundamental pillar of U.S. immigration law, as Trump seeks to end the practice of granting citizenship to children born on U.S. soil regardless of their parents' legal status.
Trump said the Supreme Court's affirmation of birthright citizenship was "lamentable for our country" [1]. He said the practice must be ended to protect national interests [1].
Legal proceedings regarding the issue have moved through the courts this year. The Supreme Court held a hearing on the citizenship-by-birth case on April 1, 2026 [3]. Court sessions on the matter were expected to conclude in June 2026 [4].
Trump said that sometimes it is necessary to let good judgment and common sense prevail [2]. He directed his call for repeal to the U.S. Congress, suggesting that legislative action is the necessary path forward following the court's stance.
The debate over birthright citizenship involves the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. While the Supreme Court has historically upheld the principle, Trump's call for legislative reform seeks to bypass judicial precedent through new law.
“"lamentable for our country"”
A legislative repeal of birthright citizenship would represent a significant shift in the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Because the Supreme Court has recently affirmed the practice, any successful change would likely require a complex legislative process or a constitutional amendment, potentially leading to a prolonged legal battle over the definition of citizenship.
