The Supreme Court of the United States has ruled that babies born in the United States automatically receive American citizenship, rejecting Donald Trump’s attempt to end the 150-year-old birthright citizenship policy.
The court voted 6-3 against an effort by Donald Trump to end birthright citizenship. Trump had tried to change the policy through an executive order.
Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion. He said children born in the US remain citizens, even if their parents are in the country illegally or only staying temporarily. Trump argued that such children should not automatically become citizens. His administration claimed the 14th Amendment applies only to people who are permanently living in the country.
The 14th Amendment was added to the US Constitution in 1868 after the American Civil War. It says that all people born or naturalised in the United States who are under its jurisdiction are citizens. The amendment was created to protect formerly enslaved people and guarantee their rights. Over time, it became the legal basis for birthright citizenship in America.
Justice Roberts said citizenship gives people the right to fully take part in American society and politics. He stated that the Constitution guarantees this right to every free-born person in the country, and the court is upholding that guarantee.
Five justices agreed that Trump’s order violated the Constitution. Justice Brett Kavanaugh also wrote separately, saying the order conflicts with federal law. Three justices disagreed with the ruling. They were Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch, and Samuel Alito. They argued the Constitution should be interpreted differently.
After the ruling, Trump criticised the decision. He said Congress should pass a law to end birthright citizenship instead of changing the Constitution. Supporters of immigrant rights welcomed the decision. Hakeem Jeffries said the ruling confirmed that everyone born in the US is an American citizen. Civil rights groups also praised the decision. They said the ruling protects a long-standing constitutional right and brings clarity to an important national issue.
