In a move that has reignited national debates over immigration policy, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday aimed at ending birthright citizenship in the United States. While the action has sparked significant controversy, a recent poll conducted exclusively for DailyMail.com shows that a substantial portion of the public supports the decision. Meanwhile, legal experts and Democratic states have promised fierce opposition, setting the stage for a significant legal confrontation.
Understanding Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status. This right, protected under the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, has long been a pillar of U.S. immigration policy. Trump’s executive order seeks to limit this by denying automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident.
Public Opinion Shifts in Favor of Trump’s Stance
Ahead of Trump’s inauguration, a survey conducted by J.L. Partners asked 1,009 registered voters for their views on removing birthright citizenship. The poll revealed that 48% supported ending the policy, with 26% expressing strong support. In contrast, 32% opposed the idea, including 23% who were strongly opposed.
James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners, noted that the way the question was framed significantly influenced respondents’ opinions. “When voters are presented with how birthright citizenship applies to newly arrived undocumented immigrants, support for its removal increases,” he explained. These findings reflect a shift in public sentiment, aligning more closely with Trump’s immigration-focused agenda.
A Long-Standing Debate Resurfaces
Trump first proposed ending birthright citizenship in 2018, framing it as a legal loophole exploited by undocumented immigrants. Although his earlier efforts did not progress, the new executive order signals his determination to revisit the issue.
“This is the big one,” Trump declared while signing the order, emphasizing that this change addresses concerns Americans have raised for decades. However, constitutional experts and immigration advocates argue that the 14th Amendment protects birthright citizenship, making it unlikely that a president can unilaterally change this long-standing policy.
Immediate Legal Pushback
Within hours of Trump’s announcement, 22 states, immigrant rights organizations, and a pregnant woman filed lawsuits to block the executive order. Critics argue that the move directly violates the 14th Amendment, which explicitly states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”
New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin criticized the order, asserting, “The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, rewrite the Constitution.” Similarly, Anthony D. Romero, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), condemned the move as an attack on fundamental rights.
“Birthright citizenship is part of what makes the United States a strong and dynamic nation,” Romero stated. “This order risks creating a permanent subclass of individuals born in the U.S. who are denied full citizenship rights.”
Debates Over Impact and Necessity
Supporters of Trump’s executive order argue that birthright citizenship encourages undocumented immigration and serves as a “loophole” for so-called “anchor babies”—a term used to describe children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. Opponents counter this argument by pointing to declining statistics. Pew Research reported in 2022 that 1.3 million adults were children of unauthorized immigrants, suggesting that the issue is not as widespread as claimed.
Legal analysts also caution that the implications of this order could be far-reaching. If upheld, it could erode constitutional protections and establish a precedent for redefining American citizenship laws.
What’s Next?
Trump’s executive order sets the stage for a fierce legal and political battle. Democratic leaders have signaled their intention to challenge the order in court, while immigration advocates are rallying public support to preserve birthright citizenship.
The issue has drawn sharp divisions across the nation. Supporters of Trump’s move view it as a necessary step to address perceived immigration loopholes, while critics see it as an attack on constitutional rights and American values.
Conclusion
The fight over birthright citizenship highlights deep divisions in the United States over immigration and constitutional interpretation. As lawsuits progress, the outcome will likely shape the future of immigration policy and the definition of American identity. Whether Trump’s action marks a bold step toward immigration reform or a misstep that sparks nationwide backlash remains uncertain.