President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on Thursday addressing birthright citizenship and birth tourism. Trump expressed his administration’s intent to adopt a new strategy following what he described as a “very unfortunate” Supreme Court ruling.
Trump stated, “We’re making adjustments because it’s very unfair. They’re building businesses around birthright citizenship. That’s not the way it was supposed to work. It’s a disgrace. They’re buying their way in, and we’re not going to let it happen.”
The Supreme Court had previously blocked Trump’s attempt to limit automatic birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. In response, the new orders aim to narrow the criteria for automatic citizenship and address the issue of birth tourism.
White House deputy chief of staff for policy, Stephen Miller, explained that the first order broadens the classifications of individuals deemed ineligible for birthright citizenship. This includes “alien enemies of the United States, members of foreign terrorist organizations, and large categories of people who lobby and act on behalf of foreign governments.”
Miller added that the second order is unprecedented in its approach to banning birth tourism. It authorizes the denial of visas to those planning to enter the U.S. to give birth, thus making the child an automatic citizen, as well as those organizing such trips. He cited Section 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to define birth tourism as fraudulent to the American system.
When questioned about enforcement, Trump said, “We’re cracking down very big, very big, big crackdowns. … This will give us the right to do it in a much more forceful manner.” He expressed confidence that the orders would withstand court challenges.
Will Scharf, White House staff secretary, indicated that the orders tackle organized birth tourism through visa denials and law enforcement efforts, asserting the administration’s reliance on “legally validated means” that do not defy the Supreme Court’s position.
At the time of release, the complete texts of the executive orders were not available. The White House had not provided a response to requests for additional comments.
Jasmine Baehr, a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital, covers politics, military, legal debates on life and family policy, as well as faith and culture.
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