The Supreme Court recently ruled against President Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship. This decision firmly supports the constitutional principle that almost all children born in the U.S. are citizens.
Recent polling shows this outcome aligns with the majority view in the country. According to a Reuters/Ipsos poll, 55% of Americans do not support ending birthright citizenship. A significant portion of this support is from Democrats, with 72% opposing changes to birthright citizenship. Independent voters and 38% of Republicans also favor maintaining the current right.
Within the Republican Party, opinions on birthright citizenship vary significantly. Those affiliated with the MAGA movement largely favor ending the practice. Conversely, a majority of Republicans not identified with MAGA wish to keep birthright citizenship intact. A Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll highlighted this divide in April.
Diverse demographic groups, including white, Black, and Hispanic Americans, show strong support for protecting birthright citizenship. This sentiment is consistently reflected across different age groups and income levels.
The perception of birthright citizenship among Americans has changed over the years. In the early 1990s, opinions were more divided. However, in the past 15 years, there has been continuous support for maintaining the constitutional right.
The New York Times frequently includes polls that capture the public’s feelings on current issues. The cited polls are chosen for their proven accuracy and methodological rigor.
Ruth Igielnik is a Times polling editor responsible for conducting and analyzing polls.

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