Fact Check: Trump's Executive Order Could Deny Citizenship to Children of Undocumented Parents
What We Know
The claim that "Trump's executive order could deny citizenship to children of undocumented parents" is rooted in a recent Supreme Court ruling. On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a 6-3 decision allowing President Trump's administration to proceed with an executive order that aims to end birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and foreign visitors. This ruling effectively allows the potential denial of citizenship in the 28 states that have not joined legal challenges against the order (Washington Post, New York Times).
Historically, the United States has granted automatic citizenship to babies born on its soil, a principle enshrined in the 14th Amendment. The Supreme Court's ruling, however, did not address the constitutionality of the executive order itself, which critics argue conflicts with the 14th Amendment and established legal precedents (Washington Post). The decision primarily focused on limiting the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions against executive actions, allowing for the possibility of the executive order's implementation while legal challenges continue (New York Times).
Analysis
The Supreme Court's ruling is significant as it opens the door for the Trump administration to implement policies that could deny citizenship to children of undocumented parents, at least in states that have not challenged the order. Legal experts and advocacy groups have expressed concern regarding the implications of this decision, emphasizing that it creates uncertainty for families across the country (Washington Post, New York Times).
Critics of the ruling, including dissenting justices, argue that it undermines the longstanding principle of birthright citizenship and poses a threat to the rights of children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. Justice Sonia Sotomayor described the ruling as a "travesty of law," warning that it could lead to chaos for affected families (Washington Post).
On the other hand, supporters of the ruling, including some legal commentators, suggest that the immediate impact may be limited, as the ruling does not resolve the underlying constitutional questions and leaves room for further legal challenges (Washington Post). The decision has prompted advocacy groups to file new lawsuits aimed at protecting the rights of children born to undocumented parents, indicating that the legal battle is far from over (Washington Post, New York Times).
Conclusion
The claim that Trump's executive order could deny citizenship to children of undocumented parents is Partially True. While the Supreme Court's ruling does allow for the potential implementation of such an order in certain states, it does not definitively establish that citizenship will be denied. The ruling primarily addresses the limitations on federal judicial power regarding nationwide injunctions and leaves open the possibility for ongoing legal challenges that could further shape the outcome of this contentious issue.
