Trump Signs Executive Order To End Birthright Citizenship And Suspend Asylum Laws

United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship—a right enshrined in the US Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years.

On Monday, Trump issued a series of executive actions to reshape federal immigration and border policies, many of which are expected to face significant legal challenges.

“As commander in chief, I have no higher responsibility than to defend our country from threats and invasions, and that is what I’m going to do,” Trump stated during his inaugural address.

Historically, the US government has interpreted the Constitution to guarantee citizenship to anyone born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The 14th Amendment declares, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”

However, Trump directed federal agencies to cease issuing passports, citizenship certificates, and other documents to children born in the US if their mothers are undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders, and their fathers are not citizens or legal permanent residents.

The directive, which would not apply retroactively, is set to take effect in 30 days. Shortly after its announcement, the American Civil Liberties Union and other advocacy groups filed a lawsuit challenging the order in federal court.

Additionally, Trump invoked extraordinary presidential powers to suspend US asylum laws, claiming migrants were orchestrating an “invasion” at the southern border and posing a threat to public health. He authorized officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants and suspended their physical entry into the US, effectively overriding asylum laws until he determines the border situation has stabilized.