Supreme Court Validates Birthright Citizenship, Strong Blow to Trump's Immigration Plan

Mon Sep 14 2026 12:44:24 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that babies born in the country are citizens under the 14th Amendment, rejecting President Trump's attempt to curb this historic gain.

In a 6‑3 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court reaffirmed the constitutional right of birth‑right citizenship, deciding that children born in America—including those whose parents lack lawful status—are automatically citizens. The ruling rejects former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at limiting this right. Chief Justice John Roberts upheld that the 14th Amendment applies to “all persons born or naturalised, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof” and confirmed that this principle has been in force since 1868. Trump issued a sharply worded statement on social media saying the decision was “too bad” and vows to pursue legislative action. The ruling represents a major setback for Trump’s immigration agenda and is welcomed by civil‑rights advocates who see it as a confirmation of long‑standing legal precedent.

Supreme Court Validates Birthright Citizenship, Strong Blow to Trump’s Immigration Plan

Demonstrators rally outside the U.S. Supreme Court

New York — The U.S. Supreme Court affirmed that every baby born on American soil automatically receives citizenship, a 150‑year‑old rule protected since 1868, in a 6‑to‑3 ruling that struck down former President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict the practice.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that children born in the United States, even if their parents are “unlawfully or temporarily present,” are citizens “at birth” under the 14th Amendment. The Court agreed that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” applies to all persons born in the country, not only to those whose parents are permanent residents.

Trump argued his executive order would bar birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and some temporary visitors. The order was dismissed by the Court, labeling it a violation of the Constitution. Trump's response on his social‑media platform was that the ruling was “too bad” and that he would continue to pursue legislative measures to end birthright citizenship.

The decision marks a major setback for Trump’s broader immigration agenda and is celebrated by civil‑rights advocates who see it as a reaffirmation of the 14th Amendment’s promise that “all persons born or naturalised, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.”

Justice Brett Kavanaugh, in a separate concurring opinion, noted the order violated federal law. Three justices—Clarence Thomas, Neil Gorsuch and Samuel Alito—dissenting, warned that the ruling broadens citizenship too far and may encourage “political projects” that differ from the amendment’s original intent.

In a public statement, former President Trump denounced what he described as a “destructive” decision and vowed “to fight to end birthright citizenship through legislation.” His chief of staff, Stephen Miller, called the ruling a “destructive and outrageous decision” that undermines America’s sovereignty.

Opposition to the ruling is robust. Congress leader Hakeem Jeffries said the Court “finally affirmed that all persons born in the United States are American citizens.” Civil‑rights attorney Dariely Rodriguez echoed that the decision “solidifies what we have known to be true for over a hundred years.”

Source: BBC News.