NewsNBC Chicago – PoliticsJune 30, 2026United States
Supreme Court Rules Birthright Citizenship Remains Constitutional
The Supreme Court struck down a Trump administration executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship for children born to parents in the U.S. unlawfully or temporarily. The 6-3 ruling affirmed that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, with very limited exceptions.
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The ruling maintains the current legal status of children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents, preventing the implementation of an that would have denied them automatic citizenship.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that the executive order limiting birthright citizenship is unconstitutional.
- The Court held that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children born on U.S. soil, regardless of parental immigration status.
- The executive order was signed by President Trump on his first day of his second term in January 2025.
- The ruling affects more than 250,000 babies born in the U.S. annually, including children of those legally in the country on student or green card visas.
- Justice Brett Kavanaugh joined the majority to strike down the order but suggested Congress could create exceptions through new legislation.
- Justices Thomas, Gorsuch, and Alito dissented from the majority opinion.
- Justice Thomas wrote a 91-page dissent arguing the 14th Amendment was intended only to secure rights for freed Black people.
- The ruling relies on the 1898 Supreme Court precedent in Wong Kim Ark.
- The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868.
- Federal law since 1940 has conferred citizenship on those born on American soil, with exceptions for diplomats and occupying forces.
Who's Mentioned
personBrett Kavanaugh“Supreme Court Justice who joined the majority but dissented in part.”personDonald Trump“President who issued the executive order.”organizationLeague of United Latin American Citizens“Plaintiff in the case.”personClarence Thomas“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”personSonia Sotomayor“Supreme Court Justice in the majority.”personRoman Palomares“President of LULAC.”personAmy Coney Barrett“Supreme Court Justice in the majority.”organizationPennsylvania State University“Research institution.”personNeil Gorsuch“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”organizationMigration Policy Institute“Research organization.”personElena Kagan“Supreme Court Justice in the majority.”personSamuel Alito“Supreme Court Justice who dissented.”organizationFederation for American Immigration Reform“Advocacy group supporting immigration restrictions.”personKetanji Brown Jackson“Supreme Court Justice in the majority.”personJohn Roberts“Chief Justice who wrote the majority opinion.”personD. John Sauer“Solicitor General who argued for the administration.”