Trump administration seeks Supreme Court ruling on birthright citizenship

In September 2025, the Trump administration filed a request with the Supreme Court regarding birthright citizenship in the United States, a contentious issue that has been widely debated for years. The administration's appeal follows a series of adverse lower court rulings that declared President Donald Trump's executive order, originally signed on January 20, unconstitutional. The executive order aimed to revoke citizenship rights for children born in the U.S. to undocumented migrants and those holding temporary visas by reinterpreting the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause. The legal landscape surrounding birthright citizenship has been complex, with the 14th Amendment historically granting citizenship to all persons born on U.S. soil. Legal precedents, notably the Supreme Court's ruling in US v. Wong Kim Ark, have affirmed this notion for over a century. However, Trump's administration contends that the understanding of citizenship under this clause has been misinterpreted and that the current interpretation allows unqualified individuals access to American citizenship. In recent years, the administration has encountered significant pushback from the courts, leading to a series of rulings that upheld the protection of birthright citizenship. Courts in California and New Hampshire have blocked the enforcement of the executive order, leading to a series of appeals by the administration seeking a definitive ruling from the Supreme Court. Solicitor General D. John Sauer emphasized in their request the government's determination to ensure that citizenship is conferred only to those lawfully entitled, arguing that the ruling of lower courts undermines national border security and citizenship integrity. The Supreme Court's decision to take up the case could have profound implications for citizenship and immigration policies in the United States. The administration believes that the current Supreme Court, which holds a conservative majority, may favor their interpretation of the law. If successful, it could redefine citizenship rights for future generations, signaling a significant shift in how the U.S. interprets the 14th Amendment. The upcoming ruling is expected to potentially be announced by summer 2026, as the Supreme Court typically releases its opinions at the end of its term. The legal implications of this ruling could resonate throughout American society, influencing debates not only on citizenship but also on broader immigration policies and human rights.