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End of birthright citizenship? What Trump's executive order means for immigrant families?

World News: President Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship has sparked significant legal challenges and concerns about its impact on immigrant families across the United States.

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Edited By: Mahi Mishra
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US President Donald Trump (ANI)

World News: President Donald Trump made headlines on January 20, when he signed an executive order aimed at abolishing birthright citizenship in the United States. This provision, which has historically granted automatic citizenship to babies born on American soil, is now under scrutiny as Trump’s order stipulates that children born to parents who are not legal residents will no longer receive U.S. citizenship.

The Controversy Surrounding Birthright Citizenship

The executive order has sparked immediate backlash and legal challenges. Attorneys general from over 20 states have filed lawsuits against the order, arguing that a president cannot unilaterally alter constitutional rights with a mere executive action. They contend that this move undermines the principles enshrined in the 14th Amendment.

Understanding Birthright Citizenship

Birthright citizenship is rooted in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, ratified in July 1868 to secure citizenship for Black Americans who had endured slavery. Over time, this amendment has been interpreted to grant citizenship to any child born in the United States, regardless of their parents' immigration status. Trump criticized this provision, stating, “It’s ridiculous. We’re the only country in the world that does this.”According to research from the Pew Center, approximately 1.3 million American citizens were born to undocumented parents as of 2022.

Implications of Trump's Executive Order

The executive order is set to take effect on February 19 but faces significant legal hurdles before it can be implemented as law. The lawsuits filed by state attorneys general and civil rights groups challenge the constitutionality of the order, arguing that it could disenfranchise hundreds of thousands of American-born children.Under this new directive, federal agencies would be barred from granting citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents are unlawfully present in the country. This restriction extends even to cases where one parent holds a temporary legal status while the other does not.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Trump’s decision affects various groups, notably those with children born to parents on H1-B work visas. In 2023, Indian citizens accounted for 72% of H1-B visa holders in the U.S., and under this new policy, their children would also be excluded from birthright citizenship.As the executive order progresses through legal channels, its future remains uncertain amid widespread opposition from advocacy groups and state officials.

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