- Trump's latest bid comes from two executive orders issued Aug. 6.
- The first order targets births inside the United States, while the second prevents people from traveling to the United States for the purpose of giving birth on U.S. soil.
- The first order replaces the previous broad group with narrower categories, applying when neither parent is a U.S. citizen and at least one parent is a designated "alien enemy," works for a foreign government or qualifying international organization, or participates in a commercial arrangement (including surrogacy) intended to secure birthright citizenship.
- The second order ends "birth tourism"—defined as travel to the United States to give birth and obtain citizenship—by restricting visas and entry permits, and denies citizenship recognition to ineligible children.
- The orders would limit the 14th Amendment's guarantee of citizenship to nearly anyone born in the United States, including children of foreign nationals living legally or unauthorized immigrants.
- Ending birthright citizenship would result in an average of 255,000 children born without citizenship each year and increase unauthorized population by 2.7 million by 2045 and 5.4 million by 2075; about 4.4 million U.S.-born children under 18 live with an unauthorized immigrant parent.
President Trump has issued two executive orders that significantly alter the landscape of birthright citizenship in the United States. The orders, signed on August 6, aim to restrict citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants and those traveling to the U.S. for the purpose of giving birth.1
The first order narrows the definition of children eligible for birthright citizenship, applying only to those whose parents are not U.S. citizens and who fall into specific categories, such as being classified as a designated "alien enemy" or working for foreign governments. This change is expected to impact fewer individuals than previous attempts to limit citizenship rights.234
The second order specifically targets birth tourism, defining it as travel to the U.S. to give birth and secure citizenship for the child. It restricts entry through visa limitations imposed by the State Department and Homeland Security, effectively denying citizenship recognition to children deemed ineligible.567
According to estimates, ending birthright citizenship could lead to approximately 255,000 children being born in the U.S. each year without citizenship, contributing to an increase of 2.7 million unauthorized residents by 2045 and 5.4 million by 2075. This move has raised concerns about the implications for families and the broader immigration landscape in the U.S.1011
The Supreme Court's ruling in June had previously limited Trump's ability to make such changes, but these new orders represent a renewed effort to reshape immigration policy.
“The first order applies when neither parent is a U.S. citizen and at least one is an 'alien enemy' or foreign government worker, while the second restricts visas and entry permits. Ending birthright citizenship could leave 255,000 children born without citizenship annually and add 2.7 million unauthorized residents by 2045.”
