Former President Donald Trump has announced his intention to put an end to birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to non-American parents, including Nigerians and other nationalities, if he wins the 2024 presidential election. Trump stated that on his first day back at the White House in January 2025, he would issue an executive order denying citizenship to children whose parents are not American citizens or legal permanent residents.
The current interpretation of the Constitution grants automatic American citizenship to children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ nationality or legal status. This policy has long been debated and criticized by those who argue that it incentivizes illegal immigration.
During his tenure in the White House, Trump frequently suggested challenging this interpretation, but no action was taken. However, in his recent announcement on Tuesday, Trump framed this proposal as part of a broader effort to crack down on unauthorized immigrants and asylum-seekers, pledging to implement significant immigration measures if he returns to power.
Trump expressed his commitment to launch the largest immigration roundup and deportation operation in the history of the United States. In a video message, he emphasized that his proposed policy would eliminate a major incentive for illegal immigration, deter potential migrants, and encourage those he believes President Joe Biden has unlawfully allowed into the country to return to their home nations.
The announcement has sparked intense debate among various stakeholders, including immigration advocates and legal experts, who argue that changing the longstanding interpretation of birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment. Critics also caution that such a move could lead to legal challenges and potential infringement on the rights of individuals born in the United States.
If successful in his bid for re-election, Donald Trump’s pledge to end birthright citizenship for children of non-American parents would undoubtedly reshape the immigration landscape, fueling further discussion and scrutiny of U.S. immigration policies in the years to come.
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