Washington: US President Donald Trump has taken a major legal step by bringing the issue of birthright citizenship before the Supreme Court of the United States, in a move that could shape the future of immigration law in the country.
The case challenges the long standing rule that anyone born on American soil automatically becomes a citizen. This principle comes from the Fourteenth Amendment, which has guided US citizenship law for more than a century.
Trump’s administration argues that children born to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders should not be granted automatic citizenship. Government lawyers say the Constitution’s phrase about being subject to US jurisdiction does not apply in such cases.
However, during recent hearings, several justices appeared unconvinced by this argument. Questions raised in court suggested that even conservative members of the bench are cautious about changing a deeply rooted interpretation of the Constitution.
Legal experts point to the historic 1898 ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which confirmed birthright citizenship and has been followed consistently ever since. This precedent remains a strong barrier against any major change.
The executive order signed by Trump in January 2025 seeking to limit birthright citizenship is currently not in effect, as lower courts have blocked it while the case is under review.
Outside the court, the issue has sparked strong public reaction. Supporters of immigrant rights held protests, warning that changing the law could create uncertainty for millions of families and affect the rights of future generations.
In a rare moment, Trump personally attended the court proceedings, becoming the first sitting US president to do so in modern history.
The Supreme Court is expected to deliver its final decision by mid 2026. The ruling will determine whether birthright citizenship continues as it has for generations or faces a major legal shift.