Trump signs executive order to end birthright citizenship

United States President Donald Trump has signed an executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, a right enshrined in the US Constitution and upheld by the Supreme Court for over 125 years.

On Monday, Trump initiated a series of executive actions aimed at reshaping immigration and border policies, many of which are anticipated to face significant legal challenges. During his inaugural address, he stated, “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.”

According to CBS News, the US government has historically interpreted the Constitution to guarantee citizenship at birth for individuals born on American soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

The 14th Amendment states, “All persons born or naturalised 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’s directive orders federal agencies to halt the issuance of citizenship documents for children born in the US under certain conditions.

These include children of mothers in the country illegally, fathers who are not US citizens or permanent residents, or mothers on temporary visas with non-citizen fathers.

Trump clarified that the order would not apply retroactively and mandated enforcement within 30 days.

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other advocacy groups promptly filed a lawsuit in federal court to challenge the executive order, citing constitutional violations.

Additionally, Trump invoked extraordinary presidential powers to suspend US asylum laws, citing a so-called “invasion” at the southern border and potential threats to public health.

He authorised officials to “repel, repatriate, or remove” migrants, suspending their physical entry into the US.

The order also states that the government will stop adhering to American asylum law until the president determines that the alleged border crisis has subsided.