Is Trump’s order on birthright citizenship constitutional
Is Trump’s order on birthright citizenship constitutional?
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed countries on India’s interests |
| Context |
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What is Birthright Citizenship?
- Birthright citizenship grants automatic citizenship to individuals born within a country’s territory, regardless of their parents’ citizenship status.
- In the U.S., it is based on the 14th Amendment of the Constitution (1868), which states that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen.
| Provisions in US Constitution about Birthright Citizenship: |
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Trump’s Executive Order
- Trump’s executive order sought to limit birthright citizenship, excluding children of undocumented immigrants or those with temporary legal status.
- It argued that children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents should not automatically get citizenship.
Why the Judge Blocked the Order
- U.S. District Judge John Coughenour blocked Trump’s executive order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.”
- He expressed disbelief that the order could be deemed constitutional, questioning its legality.
Next Steps
- Trump could propose a constitutional amendment to change the law.
- Legal challenges are still ongoing, with the final decision possibly resting with the U.S. Supreme Court.
| Impact on India: |
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| Practice Question: Critically examine the implications of US President Trump’s decision to curb birthright citizenship on U.S. immigration policies. Discuss its potential impact on India. (250 Words /15 marks) |
