Supreme Court Weighs Birthright Citizenship Case

The Supreme Court of the United States is considering a landmark case that could reshape how citizenship is defined in the United States.

Justices heard arguments over an executive order from President Donald Trump seeking to end automatic citizenship for some children born on U.S. soil. The policy would limit birthright citizenship to cases where at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident.

Lower federal courts have blocked the order, citing the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to anyone born in the country. That interpretation was reinforced by the landmark United States v. Wong Kim Ark ruling in 1898.

The Trump administration argues that the amendment has been interpreted too broadly and was never intended to apply to children born to undocumented or temporary immigrants. Civil rights organizations and several states warn that overturning the precedent could affect hundreds of thousands of births each year.

During oral arguments, the justices appeared divided, raising questions about constitutional interpretation, precedent, and the limits of executive authority.

A decision is expected by early summer. Until then, the policy remains on hold as the country awaits what could become a defining ruling on citizenship in America.