Supreme Court Hears Case on Birthright Citizenship Order

The U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments last week in Trump v. Barbara, a case challenging President Donald Trump's executive order that seeks to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants or parents on temporary visas. The order, signed on January 20, 2025, Trump's first day in his second term, interprets the 14th Amendment's citizenship clause to exclude such children, arguing they are not fully subject to U.S. jurisdiction. A decision is expected by late June or early July.

The case stems from a lawsuit filed by a Honduran woman identified as Barbara, who lives in New Hampshire with a pending asylum application. She has resided in the U.S. since 2024 and is expecting her fourth child in October 2025. Her husband is not a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Court documents state that Barbara intends to apply for benefits including Medicaid and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program for the newborn, which require U.S. citizenship.

During arguments, several justices expressed skepticism toward the government's position. Chief Justice John Roberts questioned the applicability of historical exceptions, such as...