President Donald Trump has issued a sweeping directive that could alter the future of U.S. citizenship. In one of his first major actions after returning to office, Trump signed an order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship.” This move marks a significant shift in the nation’s approach to birthright citizenship and immigration policies.
Under the new directive, children born in the United States will no longer automatically qualify for U.S. citizenship unless specific criteria are met. Starting February 19, the order requires that at least one parent must either be a U.S. citizen or a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) for their child to receive U.S. citizenship. This applies even if the child is born on U.S. soil, effectively ending the long-standing practice of granting citizenship to anyone born in the country, regardless of their parents’ legal status.
The order specifically targets children whose mothers are in the U.S. illegally or are on temporary visas and whose fathers are neither U.S. citizens nor green card holders. It also directs government agencies to withhold essential documentation, such as passports and birth certificates, for children who no longer meet the revised criteria.
This policy is part of a broader immigration agenda aimed at undoing policies from the Biden administration. It reflects Trump’s promise to implement stricter border controls and target undocumented immigrant communities. By enforcing these measures, Trump’s administration seeks to reshape the immigration landscape and redefine the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States.”
Analysts predict that this order will spark intense legal battles, as opponents argue it undermines constitutional protections and longstanding legal precedents. Immigration advocates warn that the new policy will create legal uncertainty, increase statelessness, and harm thousands of families already living in vulnerable conditions.
Supporters of the order, however, believe it is a necessary step to preserve the integrity of American citizenship and curb what they describe as “birth tourism” and “anchor baby” practices. They argue that the policy aligns with Trump’s pledge to prioritize Americans’ interests and tighten immigration controls.
As February 19 approaches, legal experts and advocacy groups are gearing up for challenges in court. Many view this as a defining moment in the ongoing debate over immigration and citizenship in the United States, with far-reaching consequences for individuals and families across the country.
This order signals the beginning of a more aggressive stance on immigration under Trump’s leadership and sets the tone for further actions targeting undocumented immigrants and border enforcement.
