In brief
Donald Trump is set to take office next month and intends to implement significant changes right away, pledging to abandon automatic citizenship for U.S.-born children and issue pardons for Capitol rioters. Although this birthright citizenship is enshrined in the Constitution, Trump expresses a firm commitment to change it. During an interview, he shared that he would issue numerous executive orders addressing economic, immigration, and energy issues on his first day back.
Trump's assertion about birthright citizenship arises from the 14th Amendment, granting citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S. Despite his determination, legal challenges are expected as amending the Constitution demands overwhelming congressional and state support. Furthermore, the president-elect reiterated his intentions to deport undocumented immigrants while promising a collaborative approach with Democrats for immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.While discussing accountability, Trump declared he would consider pardoning individuals implicated in the Capitol riots, which were incited by his supporters post-2020 election. Despite previously advocating for justice against his political opponents, Trump mentioned he would prioritize success over retribution against Biden and others.Amid a flurry of policy promises, Trump also hinted at addressing NATO spending, maintaining aid to Ukraine, and exploring vaccine-related controversies with a vaccine skeptic as his health secretary. His presidency commences with high expectations for immediate changes, and his plans could reshape the core of U.S. immigration and citizenship policies.
