Reaffirming the Trump administration’s stance on birthright citizenship, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, in her first official briefing, declared that granting automatic US citizenship to anyone born on American soil is unconstitutional. Leavitt, who made history as the youngest White House spokesperson, emphasised that the administration plans to take this battle to the Supreme Court.
“This administration believes that birthright citizenship is unconstitutional,” Leavitt stated, underscoring the government’s determination to challenge the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment.
Executive Order Aims to Restrict Birthright Citizenship
Shortly after taking the oath of office for his second term on January 20, President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders, one of which seeks to end birthright citizenship. The order aims to restrict automatic citizenship for children born in the US to migrants who are either in the country illegally or on temporary visas.
The policy, set to take effect for children born from February 19 onwards, does not apply retroactively. However, its implementation has already faced legal challenges, with a federal judge blocking the order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”
Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Battle
Despite the immediate legal roadblocks, the Trump administration remains resolute in its position. The order is expected to undergo a lengthy legal battle, with the government preparing to argue its case before the Supreme Court. Legal experts predict a contentious judicial fight, as the 14th Amendment has historically been interpreted to grant citizenship to nearly all individuals born on US soil.
Crackdown on Illegal Immigration
Beyond birthright citizenship, the administration is reinforcing its hardline stance on immigration enforcement. Speaking on the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, Leavitt made it clear that the government views those who enter the country unlawfully as criminals.
“They [illegal immigrants] are criminals as far as this administration goes. I know the last administration didn’t see it that way. So it’s a big culture shift in our nation to view someone who breaks our immigration laws as a criminal, but that’s exactly what they are,” Leavitt told reporters.
Implications and Political Reactions
The attempt to redefine birthright citizenship has sparked intense debate across the political spectrum. Supporters of the executive order argue that it will deter illegal immigration and uphold the rule of law, while critics contend that it violates constitutional principles and will disproportionately impact immigrant communities.
As the legal battle unfolds, the future of birthright citizenship in the United States remains uncertain, with far-reaching implications for millions of individuals and families. The Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies signal a significant shift in the nation’s approach to citizenship and border enforcement, setting the stage for a high-stakes legal showdown in the coming months.
(With agency inputs)