Trump order ending birthright citizenship for illegal immigrants is constitutional, claims expert

President Donald Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship for the children of illegal immigrants has sparked controversy and legal challenges, with nearly two dozen states suing to stop the order. However, legal experts like Hans von Spakovsky of the Heritage Foundation argue that the order is legal under the 14th Amendment and should be upheld by the courts.

Spakovsky believes that Trump’s move to enforce the 14th Amendment as it was originally intended is the right decision. He points out that the key phrase often overlooked in the 14th Amendment is “subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” which requires individuals to owe their political allegiance to the United States, not a foreign power. This, he argues, excludes the children of illegal immigrants from birthright citizenship.

The 14th Amendment was ratified after the Civil War to grant citizenship to former slaves and their descendants. Spakovsky notes that it was not intended to confer birthright citizenship to illegal aliens until more than 100 years after its adoption by Congress. He argues that the original sponsors of the amendment meant for individuals to owe their loyalty to the United States in order to be considered citizens.

As Democrats and left-wing groups prepare to challenge the executive order in court, Spakovsky remains confident that the Supreme Court will rule in favor of Trump. He believes that birthright citizenship grants rights to individuals who have no loyalty or connection to the United States, and that the original intent of the 14th Amendment does not support this practice.

While the legal battle over birthright citizenship continues, Spakovsky’s interpretation of the 14th Amendment and his support for Trump’s executive order highlight the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States. It remains to be seen how the courts will ultimately decide on this contentious issue.