The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing an executive order signed by President Donald Trump to eliminate birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants [1].

This legal battle centers on the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, a cornerstone of American citizenship. A ruling against the order would preserve a long-standing legal precedent, while a ruling in favor of the administration could leave millions of people at risk of statelessness [2].

President Trump signed the executive order on Jan. 20, 2026 [3]. The administration said that ending birthright citizenship is necessary to curb illegal immigration into the U.S. [4]. While some reports indicate the order targets only the children of undocumented immigrants, other accounts suggest it also extends to children of temporary-visa holders [5].

The order originally specified that the measure would take effect 30 days after its signing [3]. However, legal challenges from a coalition of state attorneys general have kept the matter before the courts. The Supreme Court continued to question the prohibition as recently as April 1, 2026 [6].

Recent reports indicate the court may have reached a six-three vote regarding the application of the order [7]. The outcome remains a critical point of contention for immigration advocates who said that the move violates the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for those born on U.S. soil [4].

The case arrives amid heightened tensions over border security, particularly in Texas, where the administration has focused much of its enforcement effort [6]. Opponents of the order said the policy would create a permanent underclass of residents without legal standing or protection [2].

“The order would end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.”

This case represents a direct challenge to the 14th Amendment's 'jus soli' principle, which has historically granted citizenship to almost everyone born in the U.S. regardless of their parents' status. If the Supreme Court upholds the executive order, it would fundamentally alter the legal definition of American citizenship and potentially create a new category of stateless individuals within U.S. borders, shifting the balance of power between executive orders and constitutional precedent.