By Muhammad Mamman
US President Donald Trump has reignited his push to end birthright citizenship, arguing that the constitutional provision was originally designed for freed slaves and not for what he described as “wealthy people exploiting America’s system”.
Speaking during a policy address on immigration reform, Trump claimed that the current interpretation of the 14th Amendment has encouraged what he called “citizenship tourism”, insisting that the United States should no longer grant automatic citizenship to children born on American soil to non-citizen parents.
Trump, who has long campaigned on curbing illegal immigration, said the rule had outlived its original purpose. “It was created for the children of slaves, not for people flying in on private jets to have their babies here,” he said, reiterating a position he first pushed during his 2016 and 2020 presidential runs.
Legal scholars, however, note that birthright citizenship is explicitly guaranteed under the 14th Amendment, and any attempt to alter it would require a constitutional amendment or a major shift in Supreme Court interpretation. Civil rights groups have also criticised Trump’s stance, describing it as inflammatory and legally untenable.
The renewed proposal comes amid the broader debate on immigration reform in the US, with Trump promising sweeping policy changes if returned to office. Critics warn that such reforms could lead to lengthy legal battles and significant upheaval in the country’s immigration system.
Despite the controversy, Trump maintains that ending birthright citizenship would strengthen national security and curb what he alleges to be widespread abuse of the system. His remarks have already sparked intense reaction across the political spectrum, signalling that the issue will remain a charged topic in the 2025 election cycle.
