Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, stated that one of his first actions in office would be to end the practice of granting citizenship by birthright.
In an interview with NBC, he emphasized that he intends to implement this decision immediately after his inauguration, asserting that the U.S. must stop the practice where foreigners automatically receive citizenship by simply setting foot on American soil.
We need to stop this. We might have to go back to the people, but we need to stop it. We’re the only country that does this. If someone steps onto our land with one foot: ‘Congratulations, now you’re a U.S. citizen.’ We’re going to stop it because it’s stupid, Trump said, expressing confidence in the need for change.
This statement pertains to the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which was ratified in 1868. It guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of the nationality of their parents. To change this provision, a significant legal and political effort would be required, including the consent of three-quarters of the states.
Trump did not specify how he plans to implement the end of birthright citizenship, but in the past, he has suggested changes could be made through a presidential executive order or judicial decisions. The issue remains a topic of debate in political circles, with most legal experts believing that ending this practice would require a constitutional amendment, a complex legislative process.
Trump’s proposal has sparked widespread debate in American society. His supporters argue that it will help prevent abuses, such as so-called “birth tourism,” where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. specifically to have their children automatically granted citizenship. Opponents, however, believe that ending this right could lead to a significant reduction in immigration and undermine the foundations of American democracy as enshrined in the Constitution.
