Trump Trying to End Birthright Citizenship

In a recent interview with Axios on HBO, President Trump revealed that he is preparing an executive order to nullify the long-accepted constitutional right of birthright citizenship in the United States. Legally, he can’t do this, as the 14th Amendment has protected this right for over a century: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.”

Not unexpectedly, Trump had something to say about this. He claims birthright citizenship is not protected under the 14th Amendment, since it specifically says “subject to the jurisdiction thereof…”

In reality, the chances of Trump being successful in this endeavor are slim to none. First of all, he cannot do it on his own, contrary to his belief: “It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don’t. You can definitely do it with an act of Congress. But now they’re saying I can do it with just an executive order.”

In reality, it would take a lot of work to pass this idea. An overwhelming majority vote from Congress would be needed, and at least ⅔ of the individual states would have to agree as well.

It seems the motivation behind this sudden move is just another shot in the dark at regulating immigration.

“We’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the US for 85 years with all of those benefits. It’s ridiculous. And it has to end,” Trump tweeted.

Over 30 other countries have birthright citizenship, including neighbors Canada and Mexico.

Trump says it’s “in the process” and “it’ll happen one way or another.”  America will see.