Donald Trump, the U.S. president-elect, plans to issue an executive order that would eliminate automatic birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants in the United States. According to an unnamed government official, this measure will also strengthen immigration enforcement and oversight.
“The federal government will no longer recognize automatic birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants born in the United States. We will also enhance the investigation and control of irregular immigration,” the official stated in remarks reported by Reuters, referencing the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
Executive orders target immigration and border security
Trump is expected to sign a total of 10 executive orders on Monday, focusing primarily on immigration, energy policies, and foreign relations. According to his transition team, immigration is one of the administration’s top priorities as it begins implementing its agenda.
One of the most significant measures is expected to involve declaring a national emergency to deploy military personnel to the southern border. This move would give the administration greater authority to address unauthorized crossings and enhance border security efforts.
Additionally, Trump plans to reinstate the controversial “Remain in Mexico” program, which requires migrants and asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their applications are processed. This policy has been the subject of significant legal challenges and sparked widespread debate over its humanitarian impact.
Another executive order reportedly directs the U.S. military to prioritize securing the southern border and combating irregular migration. Trump’s team has also announced plans to designate drug cartels and other criminal organizations as terrorist groups, a move that would make international cooperation with these entities more challenging and increase pressure on them.
A new approach to immigration enforcement
The elimination of birthright citizenship would mark a radical shift in U.S. immigration policy. Enshrined in the 14th Amendment, birthright citizenship grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Legal experts have long debated whether such a change could withstand constitutional scrutiny, as altering this principle may require an amendment to the Constitution itself.
Trump’s proposal to revoke birthright citizenship reflects his broader immigration strategy, which aims to deter undocumented migration and enforce stricter immigration controls. His administration also plans to escalate the use of resources to identify and deport undocumented individuals already living in the United States.
Moreover, by designating cartels as terrorist organizations, the administration seeks to curb illegal activities at the border and reduce the influence of transnational criminal groups. This classification would grant the government additional tools to prosecute and sanction cartel members and their affiliates.
The potential changes outlined by Trump’s transition team are expected to spark intense political and legal debates. Immigration has long been a divisive issue in the United States, and these proposed measures are likely to face opposition from advocacy groups, civil rights organizations, and some lawmakers.
Trump’s executive orders, particularly those targeting birthright citizenship and border security, signal a comprehensive approach to reshaping the U.S. immigration system. As the nation braces for these changes, their implications will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on immigrant communities, U.S.-Mexico relations, and the broader political landscape.
