WASHINGTON (RTW News) — The Supreme Court has agreed to take up the constitutionality of President Donald Trump's birthright citizenship order. This order asserts that children born to parents who are in the U.S. illegally or temporarily do not receive American citizenship.
The Court will hear Trump’s appeal against a lower-court ruling that invalidated the citizenship restrictions, which have yet to be enforced nationwide. This pivotal case is set for arguments in the spring, with a ruling expected by early summer.
Trump's birthright citizenship order is part of a broader immigration crackdown initiated by his administration. This includes enforcement increases in various cities and the invocation of the controversial 18th-century Alien Enemies Act.
Facing numerous court challenges, the current administration has witnessed a mix of outcomes from the high court. Recent actions have both allowed and blocked certain immigration practices. The justices are also considering an appeal granting permission for deploying National Guard troops in Chicago to assist with immigration enforcement, which was previously halted by a lower court.
Significantly, the current birthright citizenship policy challenges over 125 years of legal interpretation related to the 14th Amendment, which traditionally grants citizenship to anyone born on American soil, with exceptions for children of foreign diplomats.
In various rulings, lower courts have deemed Trump’s order unconstitutional or likely so. Notably, every court thus far agrees that the order violates the principles embedded in the 14th Amendment, established to grant citizenship rights in the aftermath of slavery.
The case originated in New Hampshire, where a federal judge has already blocked the executive order due to its extensive implications affecting countless children. Meanwhile, 24 Republican-led states support Trump’s position, pushing for the Supreme Court’s review of this controversial issue.
For all the latest updates on the U.S. Supreme Court, follow the coverage at RTW News.
