President Donald Trump signed two new executive orders Thursday in an effort to further restrict birthright citizenship, reviving one of his administration’s signature immigration priorities just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court rejected an earlier attempt to limit automatic citizenship for children born on American soil.
The first executive order seeks to narrow who qualifies for automatic U.S. citizenship at birth by expanding certain exceptions recognized under current law. The second order targets “birth tourism,” directing federal agencies to strengthen efforts against foreign nationals who travel to the United States primarily to give birth so their child can obtain U.S. citizenship.
The new actions come after the Supreme Court ruled on June 30 that Trump’s previous executive order attempting to end broad birthright citizenship violated the 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to nearly everyone born in the United States, with only limited exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats.
Speaking at the White House, President Trump criticized the Court’s decision and said his administration was making changes to continue pursuing its immigration agenda. The White House argues the latest executive orders are more narrowly tailored and are consistent with constitutional limits.
Immigration advocates and constitutional law experts, however, say the new measures are also likely to face immediate legal challenges. For now, birthright citizenship remains protected under the 14th Amendment, and the new executive orders are expected to be tested in federal court before any significant changes take effect.
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