Birthright Citizenship Is Under Attack
Executive Order 14160 attempts to deny citizenship to children born on U.S. soil — violating the 14th Amendment that has protected birthright citizenship for over 150 years.
If this stands, hundreds of thousands of American-born children could become stateless every year.
Take Action Now
Call Your Representative Today
Ask them to cosponsor the Born in the USA Act — blocking funding for Executive Order 14160 and affirming the 14th Amendment.
Congressional offices track every call. Your voice matters.
Trump v. Barbara
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a challenge to birthright citizenship. This case could affect the rights of millions of American citizens.
What You Need to Know
The bottom line: If you're born in America, you're American. That's been the law for over 125 years. A president can't change that with an executive order — only a constitutional amendment can.[1]
In 1898, the Supreme Court made this crystal clear in United States v. Wong Kim Ark. Wong Kim Ark was born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrant parents. When the government tried to deny him re-entry to the U.S., the Court ruled he was a citizen — because he was born here. Period.[2]
The only exceptions? Children of foreign diplomats (who have special immunity) and children born during a hostile military occupation. That's it. Not children of undocumented immigrants. Not children of tourists. If you're born on U.S. soil, you're a U.S. citizen.[3]
Why Does This Matter?
Without birthright citizenship, we'd create a permanent underclass — kids born here who can never be citizens, whose own kids can never be citizens. Generation after generation of people with no country to call their own, even though America is the only home they've ever known.[1]
[1] Harvard Law School | [2] Brennan Center for Justice | [3] National Constitution Center
Real-World Implications
An adverse ruling would create immediate and long-lasting consequences for millions of Americans. Here's what's at stake:
Employment
Loss of work authorization and inability to legally work in the United States, affecting livelihoods and economic stability.
Voting Rights
Stripped of the fundamental right to vote and participate in democracy, silencing millions of voices in elections.
Federal Benefits
Loss of access to Social Security, Medicare, and other federal programs that citizens have contributed to throughout their lives.
Travel & Passports
Inability to obtain U.S. passports, restricting international travel and leaving individuals without documentation abroad.
Education Access
Children could face barriers to public education, federal student aid, and opportunities that shape their futures.
Healthcare
Barriers to healthcare coverage and medical services, putting vulnerable populations at serious health risk.
By the Numbers
Roughly 7.5 percent of all babies born in the U.S. would no longer be automatic citizens — that's more than 250,000 children each year. This number would be even higher if the definition expands to include those on Temporary Protected Status or humanitarian parole.[2]
This could create 2.7 million unauthorized individuals by 2045 and 5.4 million by 2075 — generations of stateless Americans born on U.S. soil.[3]
[2] Niskanen Center | [3] American Immigration Council
This creates a permanent underclass of people born on U.S. soil without legal status or protections — undermining the fundamental promise of American equality.
It would also affect all Americans: without universal birthright citizenship, a birth certificate alone would no longer prove citizenship. Everyone would face new bureaucratic burdens to prove their parents' status when applying for passports, Social Security numbers, or federal benefits.[4]
Case Timeline
January 20, 2025
Executive Order Signed
President Trump signs executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and those on temporary visas.
Spring 2025
Lower Court Rulings
Multiple federal courts block enforcement of the order, ruling it unconstitutional under the 14th Amendment.
December 5, 2025
Supreme Court Takes Case
The Supreme Court agrees to hear Trump v. Barbara, consolidating challenges to review the executive order.
Summer 2026
Expected Decision
The Supreme Court's decision is expected by late June or early July 2026.
We have until summer 2026 to make our voices heard. Take action now to protect citizenship rights.
Understanding the Issue
The 14th Amendment Guarantee
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
— 14th Amendment, U.S. Constitution (1868)
Make Your Voice Heard
Congressional offices track every call and email. Flood their offices to protect this right.
A 400-Year Tradition: Jus soli — citizenship based on place of birth — has a 400-year history in Anglo-American law, dating back to England in 1608. This principle was adopted by American states from British common law and was well-established before the Constitution was even written.[1]
On June 13, 1866, the House of Representatives approved the 14th Amendment to restore this understanding after the Dred Scott decision tried to strip it away. Republicans in Congress fiercely repudiated Dred Scott, constitutionalizing birthright citizenship and removing from politics the question of who counts as American.[2]
Birth in the United States is how most Americans prove their citizenship today. A birth certificate is the foundation of our entire identity system — it's what you use to get a passport, Social Security number, and access to federal benefits.[3]
[1] Chapman Law Review | [2] Brennan Center for Justice | [3] Washington University Law Review
Why It Matters
Constitutional Foundation
Confirmed by the Supreme Court in United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), birthright citizenship has been the law for over 125 years.
Equal Protection
It prevents a hereditary underclass of non-citizens from forming — that's the core purpose of the 14th Amendment.
The American Dream
For generations, children born here have grown up as Americans — doctors, teachers, soldiers, and leaders who strengthen our nation.
Our Neighbors & Friends
These aren't strangers. They're the kids in our schools, members of our churches, and colleagues at work. They are us.
The Human Impact
Think about the children who would be affected. A baby born in a Texas hospital to parents without permanent status would be stateless from their first breath. They'd grow up here, go to school here, call this country home — but have no nation to call their own.[6]
These aren't hypotheticals. We're talking about over 250,000 children every year — kids who would grow up unable to work legally, unable to vote, unable to travel freely, and unable to fully participate in the only society they've ever known. Their children would inherit this limbo. And their grandchildren after that.[6]
This is exactly what the 14th Amendment was designed to prevent: a permanent underclass of people born on American soil but denied the rights and dignity of citizenship. The framers saw what happens when a nation decides some people born within its borders simply don't belong. We shouldn't have to learn that lesson again.[7]
[6] Niskanen Center | [7] Brennan Center
There is one clear action you can take right now to protect citizenship rights.
Make Your Voice Heard
How to Advocate
There is one clear action you can take right now to protect citizenship rights.
Flood their offices. Congressional offices track every call and email. When they receive hundreds of messages on the same issue, they take notice. Call today, email tomorrow, and ask your friends and family to do the same.
Support the Born in the USA Act
Cosponsor and prioritize H.R. introduced by Rep. Delia Ramirez, which blocks all federal funding for implementing Trump's Executive Order 14160 and explicitly protects birthright citizenship.
What This Bill Does:
- Blocks all federal funding for implementing Executive Order 14160
- Cites the 14th Amendment and Wong Kim Ark to affirm birthright citizenship protections
- Prevents future executive overreach on citizenship rights
Call Your Representative
Phone calls are the most effective way to be heard. This is a House bill, so focus on your Representative. Use this script:
"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent from [Your City/Town]. I'm calling to urge [Representative Name] to cosponsor and prioritize the Born in the USA Act, H.R. introduced by Representative Delia Ramirez. This bill blocks federal funding for implementing Executive Order 14160 and protects birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. As your constituent, I believe protecting the rights of all American citizens — both birthright and naturalized — is essential. Thank you for your time."
Email Your Representative
Copy and personalize this email to send to your Representative:
Subject: Please Cosponsor the Born in the USA Act
Dear [Representative Name],
As your constituent, I am writing to urge you to cosponsor and prioritize the Born in the USA Act (H.R. introduced by Rep. Delia Ramirez).
This critical legislation blocks all federal funding for implementing Executive Order 14160 and affirms birthright citizenship protections under the 14th Amendment. The 14th Amendment has guaranteed citizenship to all persons born in the United States for over 150 years — this is a foundational American principle that must be protected.
If this executive order is allowed to stand, it could affect hundreds of thousands of U.S.-born children each year, creating a permanent underclass of people born on American soil without legal status or protections.
I urge you to stand with the millions of Americans whose citizenship rights are at stake by cosponsoring this bill immediately.
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
Volume matters. Make them notice.
Call and email every day until they cosponsor. Share this page and get others to do the same.
Understanding the Impact
How Would Your Child's Status Change?
Under the executive order attempting to end birthright citizenship, a child's citizenship status would depend on their parents' immigration status at the time of birth.
| Parents' Status at Birth | Current Law | If EO Takes Effect |
|---|---|---|
Both parents are U.S. citizens | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
One U.S. citizen parent, one lawful permanent resident | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
Both parents are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
One U.S. citizen parent, one undocumented immigrant | U.S. Citizen | U.S. Citizen |
Both parents are undocumented immigrants | U.S. Citizen | Not a Citizen |
One or both parents on temporary visa (student, work, tourist) | U.S. Citizen | Uncertain |
One or both parents on Temporary Protected Status (TPS) | U.S. Citizen | Uncertain |
One or both parents on humanitarian parole | U.S. Citizen | Uncertain |
250,000+
Children affected each year
7.5%
Of all U.S. births impacted
5.4M
Stateless by 2075 (projected)
Congressional offices track every call and email.
When they receive hundreds of messages on the same issue, they take notice. There's one clear action you can take right now.
Important Context
- Current law (since 1898): Under United States v. Wong Kim Ark, all children born on U.S. soil are citizens regardless of parents' immigration status, with narrow exceptions for children of foreign diplomats.
- 400 years of precedent: Jus soli (birthright citizenship) has been part of Anglo-American law since 1608, adopted from British common law before the Constitution was written.[4]
- It affects everyone: Without universal birthright citizenship, a birth certificate alone wouldn't prove citizenship anymore. All Americans would face new bureaucratic burdens proving their parents' status for passports, Social Security, and federal benefits.[5]
- Potential for statelessness: Some countries don't automatically grant citizenship to children of citizens born abroad, meaning affected children could be left without any citizenship.
Sources:
[1] Niskanen Center | [2] American Immigration Council | [3] Harvard Law School | [4] Chapman Law Review | [5] Washington University Law Review
Birthright Citizens in Leadership
American Leaders Who Are Birthright Citizens
These leaders were born in the United States to immigrant parents. Without birthright citizenship, America might have lost presidents, justices, and countless other leaders.
of the 119th Congress are immigrants or children of immigrants — at least 81 members whose service to America depends on our tradition of welcoming newcomers.[1]
Of 46 presidents, at least 6 had a foreign-born parent. All qualified as natural-born citizens under birthright citizenship.
Donald Trump
45th & 47th President
2017–2021, 2025–present
Mother from Scotland
Mary Anne MacLeod immigrated from Scotland in 1930
Barack Obama
44th President
2009–2017
Father from Kenya
Barack Obama Sr. immigrated from Kenya as a student
Woodrow Wilson
28th President
1913–1921
Mother from England
Janet Woodrow immigrated from England
Chester A. Arthur
21st President
1881–1885
Father from Ireland
William Arthur was a Baptist minister from Ireland
James Buchanan
15th President
1857–1861
Both parents from Ireland
Andrew Jackson
7th President
1829–1837
Both parents from Ireland
Parents emigrated from Ireland two years before his birth
The point isn't politics — it's principle. Presidents Trump and Obama. Justices Scalia and Brandeis. Leaders from every party, every branch of government, every walk of life. What they share is that they were born here, to parents who came here. That's what made them American.
If birthright citizenship had been restricted, America might have lost presidents, Supreme Court justices, Medal of Honor recipients, and civil rights heroes — not because of their talent or dedication, but because of where their parents were born.
Make Your Voice Heard
Take Action
Join thousands of Americans standing up for constitutional rights. Every action counts.
"Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I'm a constituent. I urge you to cosponsor the Born in the USA Act by Rep. Ramirez, to protect birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment."
"I stand with Citizen by Right to protect ALL citizens - birthright and naturalized. The 14th Amendment guarantees our rights."