In a historic and controversial move, President Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” on his first day back in the White House. The order, spanning roughly 700 words, seeks to eliminate birthright citizenship, fulfilling a key campaign promise.
Under the new policy, children born in the United States will no longer receive automatic citizenship unless at least one parent is an American citizen or a lawful green card holder. This marks a significant departure from the Fourteenth Amendment’s guarantee of citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, a cornerstone of the nation’s democratic framework.
“This change ensures that American citizenship retains its meaning and value,” Trump stated during the signing ceremony.
The executive order leverages a contentious interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which has long been a point of debate. Legal experts anticipate intense scrutiny and potential court challenges, as this order attempts to redefine constitutional protections upheld for over a century.
How the policy would work
The new directive, set to take effect on February 20, will impact thousands of families, particularly immigrants whose children have historically benefited from birthright citizenship. The Trump administration argues that the policy will deter illegal immigration, while critics warn it could strip citizenship rights from those who have no other homeland.
Barron Trump: A case in point
Interestingly, Trump’s youngest son, Barron Trump, offers a personal lens into the policy’s implications. Born in Manhattan in 2006 to Melania Trump, a Slovenian-born green card holder at the time, Barron is considered a natural-born U.S. citizen under the existing rules.
Barron’s citizenship would not have been affected under the new policy, as his mother held lawful permanent residency when he was born. The first lady, who obtained her green card in 2001, has since become a U.S. citizen.
Barron, the youngest of Trump’s five children, has led a relatively private life compared to his older siblings. He attended prestigious schools, including Columbia Grammar & Preparatory School in Manhattan and St. Andrew’s Episcopal School in Maryland, before enrolling at Oxbridge Academy in Florida. Fluent in English and Slovenian due to his mother’s heritage, Barron largely stays out of the spotlight.
Reactions and implications
The executive order has sparked fierce debate nationwide. Supporters argue it upholds the integrity of citizenship, while opponents see it as an attack on immigrant communities. Legal analysts predict the policy will face immediate legal challenges, setting the stage for a landmark Supreme Court battle.
As the nation prepares for the implementation of this historic policy, the executive order represents yet another controversial chapter in Trump’s presidency, redefining long-held interpretations of the U.S. Constitution.