US Supreme Court Confirms Birthright Citizenship Under Fourteenth Amendment

The US Supreme Court has upheld birthright citizenship, a ruling that represents a significant impediment to former President Donald Trump's immigration policies. The judgement directly addresses Section One of the Fourteenth Amendment to the US Constitution, which states that "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."

Donald Trump has repeatedly advocated for ending birthright citizenship, particularly for children born in the US to undocumented parents. His administration had explored executive actions and constitutional challenges to this principle, arguing that it incentivises illegal immigration.

This ruling reinforces the long-standing interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment, which has been in place since its ratification in 1868. Legal scholars and civil rights organisations have widely welcomed the decision, emphasising its foundational importance to US constitutional law and its implications for millions of individuals.