President Donald Trump has signed an executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” to mandate federal agencies to deny U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil if their parents lack legal status.
The order, which takes effect on February 19, is part of a sweeping effort to tighten immigration policies and reverse Biden-era reforms.
The directive specifies that children born in the United States will only qualify for citizenship if at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident, Investors King reports.
It also applies to cases where mothers are in the country illegally or on temporary visas and the father is neither a citizen nor a green card holder.
“The order instructs federal agencies to deny U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their mothers are in the country illegally or on temporary visas, and the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident,” the White House said in a statement.
This move is part of a broader immigration crackdown that includes other executive actions aimed at strengthening border security and enforcing stricter immigration controls.
Analysts have already predicted that the order will face legal challenges, particularly given its potential conflict with the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
“This order will almost certainly be challenged in court,” said an immigration law expert. “It raises profound constitutional questions and will likely spark prolonged legal battles.”
Critics have condemned the move as a discriminatory attack on immigrant families, arguing it undermines the principles of equality enshrined in American law.
Immigration advocates have expressed concerns about the impact on undocumented communities.
Supporters of the directive, however, argue that it is a necessary step to prevent abuse of birthright citizenship laws and to ensure the system is not exploited.
The policy’s implementation will halt the issuance of citizenship documentation, including passports, to children who do not meet the new requirements.
It also directs the White House Office of Pandemic Preparedness and Response Policy to review and replace the 2024 U.S. Global Health Security Strategy.