Protecting the Right of Birthright Citizenship

The principle of birthright citizenship is firmly established in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States" are citizens. This has been a cornerstone of American identity, ensuring automatic citizenship for nearly everyone born within the country's borders.

However, this long-standing practice faces a challenge from an executive order signed by former President Trump in January 2025. The order seeks to limit the citizenship rights of children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or are present on temporary visas.

According to the Pew Research Center, this executive action could impact approximately 250,000 children each year. The legality of Trump's order is now a significant point of contention, with a lower court having already issued a block against its implementation.

The case is currently before the Supreme Court, which will weigh the constitutional implications of the order. Correspondent Mo Rocca is exploring the nation's historical acceptance of immigrants and the potential consequences of denying citizenship with constitutional experts.