Summary
President Trump is involved in a legal battle over his executive order to restrict birthright citizenship in the U.S. The dispute centers on the meaning of five words in the 14th Amendment: "subject to the jurisdiction thereof." The Supreme Court's decision could affect who automatically becomes a U.S. citizen when born in the country.
Key Facts
- The legal conflict is about the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment.
- President Trump's administration interprets this to apply only to those legally in the U.S., not those temporarily here.
- The ACLU argues it applies to almost everyone born on U.S. soil, with few exceptions.
- The administration's position could change citizenship rights for children of certain visa holders.
- No judges have sided with the Trump administration on this issue so far.
- The Supreme Court made a previous ruling that guaranteed citizenship to Wong Kim Ark, born in the U.S. to immigrant parents.
- Chief Justice John Roberts expressed skepticism about the arguments from President Trump's solicitor general.
- The administration claims the executive order is necessary for national security reasons.
