The United States Supreme Court is set to rule on Tuesday on whether President Donald Trump can enforce a controversial policy restricting birthright citizenship, a decision that could reshape long-standing constitutional interpretation in the country.
The ruling comes at the end of the court’s current term and is expected to have far-reaching implications for U.S. immigration and constitutional law.
At the centre of the case is an executive order issued by President Trump in 2025, directing federal agencies to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the United States unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
A lower court had previously blocked the directive, ruling that it likely violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to persons born in the country.
The case hinges on interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause, which states that all persons born or naturalised in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens.
Trump’s administration argues that the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” should exclude children of undocumented migrants and certain temporary visa holders.
Opponents argue that this interpretation contradicts more than a century of legal precedent affirming automatic citizenship by birth.
Legal analysts estimate that the policy could affect approximately 250,000 newborns annually if implemented, while also placing additional administrative burdens on millions of families required to prove citizenship status.
The lawsuit was filed in New Hampshire as a class action by affected parents and children challenging the legality of the directive.
The Supreme Court, which currently holds a 6–3 conservative majority, is expected to issue a landmark ruling that could redefine how citizenship is granted in the United States.
Critics of the policy accuse the Trump administration of advancing discriminatory immigration measures, while supporters argue it is aimed at tightening border control and clarifying citizenship laws.
Birthright citizenship in the U.S. has long been interpreted as automatic for those born on American soil, with limited exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats or enemy occupiers.
The case is being closely watched as it coincides with the approach of the U.S. Independence Day celebrations on July 4, marking the country’s 250th anniversary.
President Trump reportedly attended Supreme Court arguments in April, marking a rare appearance by a sitting president at the nation’s highest court.
The administration maintains that citizenship should be tied to lawful residence and allegiance to the United States, not solely place of birth.
