The U.S. Supreme Court has commenced arguments regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship. Trump signed the order on January 20, 2025, at the beginning of his second term. The order is part of the administration’s immigration crackdown.
Trump was present at the court, becoming the first sitting president to attend such oral arguments. Lower courts have deemed the order illegal and prevented its enforcement. A final decision from the Supreme Court is expected by early summer.
Representative Grace Meng, chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, criticized the executive order, calling it unconstitutional. Meng, a Democrat from New York and daughter of immigrants, emphasized the importance of birthright citizenship as a foundation of belonging in the United States.
Discussions during the hearing focused on the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, specifically the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Justice Gorsuch and others raised questions about the legal community’s understanding of the Wong Kim Ark decision and the impact of the administration’s order on birthright citizenship.
President Trump left the courtroom after his lawyer presented arguments, marking the end of the hearing session. The justices continue to deliberate, with implications for over 250,000 babies born in the U.S. each year and the future of birthright citizenship in the country.
