“On day one, I will end automatic citizenship for children of illegal aliens.”
The promise
Trump ordered reinterpretation of the 14th Amendment to deny citizenship to children of illegal immigrants. Courts quickly blocked the order, citing long precedent. The debate centers on phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof.” Supporters argue intent excludes undocumented parents; opponents note century-old case law affirming citizenship by birth. Civil-rights groups sued, and two appellate courts have ruled the policy unconstitutional. Pending appeal to Supreme Court; enforcement suspended.
