Supreme Court to Rule on Trump's Controversial Birthright Citizenship Order

Wed Apr 01 2026 06:00:45 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

The Supreme Court hears President Trump's appeal against a ruling that deemed his birthright citizenship executive order unconstitutional, challenging long-standing interpretations of the 14th Amendment.

In a landmark case, the U.S. Supreme Court is set to make a significant ruling on President Trump's birthright citizenship order, which contends that children of undocumented immigrants should not be granted U.S. citizenship at birth. This order has faced legal challenges in multiple courts, with lower court rulings affirming the traditional view established by the 14th Amendment. The decision could impact over 250,000 newborns annually and alter longstanding legal precedents surrounding citizenship in America.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court is preparing to hear a pivotal case regarding President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. This executive order claims that children born to parents without legal status in the U.S. do not automatically receive citizenship.

On Wednesday, justices will deliberate on Trump's challenge against a ruling from New Hampshire's lower court that struck down the citizenship restrictions, deeming them unconstitutional. This order stands alongside other judicial decisions that have blocked these restrictions from taking effect nationwide.

A definitive ruling from the Supreme Court is expected by the summer, marking a potential milestone as Trump would become the first sitting president to attend oral arguments in the court's history.

This case not only tests the executive power assertions made by Trump but also challenges long-standing interpretations of the 14th Amendment, which has historically guaranteed citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.

The birthright citizenship order, signed by Trump on the first day of his second term, aligns with his broader immigration policies aimed at tightening national borders. The legal arguments surrounding this order have invoked longstanding precedents established in significant rulings, including the 1898 case of Wong Kim Ark, which upheld citizenship for U.S.-born children regardless of their parents' immigration status.

Lawyers representing those affected—including expectant mothers—contend that the Supreme Court should not entertain Trump’s radical reinterpretation of citizenship that could affect over 250,000 newborns annually.

While the Trump administration has fortified its rhetoric around illegal immigration, this order would also implicate individuals legally in the U.S., including students and green card applicants.

The proceedings will be critical not only for the future of immigration policy but also for determining the core constitutional rights surrounding American citizenship.

Stay informed about updates on this case and others by following the Supreme Court's ongoing coverage at [AP News](https://apnews.com/hub/us-supreme-court).