Trump Vows to End Birthright Citizenship on First Day in Office
WASHINGTON — In a bold assertion during a recent interview on NBC’s "Meet the Press," President-elect Donald Trump announced plans to end birthright citizenship in the U.S. by signing an executive order on his first day in office. Trump expressed his determination to amend the 14th Amendment, stating, “We have to end it… it’s ridiculous.” However, he acknowledged that legal challenges would likely impede the implementation of this goal, as many constitutional scholars argue that a president cannot overturn long-standing Supreme Court interpretations of the Citizenship Clause.
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Trump’s proposal has raised eyebrows, with experts noting that constitutional amendments require significant legislative support—a two-thirds majority from both the House and Senate, plus ratification from three-fourths of state legislatures. While Republicans will control Congress, they lack the supermajority needed to change the Constitution.
During the interview, Trump discussed his approach to Dreamers, the over 500,000 individuals in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. He expressed a willingness to collaborate with Democrats on a solution for these individuals but did not provide specific details.
On the topic of mass deportations, Trump reiterated his intention to send entire families back to their countries of origin, even if children are U.S. citizens. When questioned about the implications for mixed-status families, he emphasized the need for strict immigration rules while avoiding direct answers about reinstating controversial policies like family separation.
Trump’s claims about birthright citizenship also inaccurately suggested that the U.S. is unique in its policies, overlooking that several countries, including Canada and Brazil, grant similar rights. As the nation prepares for a change in leadership, Trump’s immigration policies remain at the forefront of national debate.
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