A US federal court has delivered a decisive blow to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn birthright citizenship, ruling that his proposed ban violates the US Constitution.
The court emphasised that the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil, cannot be overridden by executive action. This landmark decision reinforces long-standing legal precedent and deals a setback to hardline immigration policies.
Why This Ruling Matters
The case stemmed from Trump’s repeated claims that birthright citizenship—a principle upheld since 1868—could be abolished without congressional approval. Legal experts widely dismissed the idea as unconstitutional, and the court’s ruling confirms their stance.
Key takeaways:
- The 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause remains intact.
- Executive orders cannot unilaterally alter constitutional rights.
- The decision could influence future immigration debates.
Political Reactions
Supporters of birthright citizenship celebrated the ruling as a victory for equality, while Trump’s allies criticised it as judicial overreach. The debate is likely to resurface in the 2024 election cycle.
Legal scholars suggest the case may eventually reach the Supreme Court, though its conservative majority has previously signalled reluctance to revisit settled constitutional law.
