Shah Khalid Khan, Resident Editor, Sub News
Washington, June 30,2026: The US Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional right to birthright citizenship in a landmark 6-3 decision, striking down President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order.
The Court ruled that any child born on American soil is an American citizen by birth under the 14th Amendment, irrespective of the parents’ immigration status — whether they are present illegally or living on temporary visas. The justices clarified that citizenship based on birth applies to nearly all children born in the United States.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing the majority opinion, stated that “birthright citizenship is a vital part of America’s constitutional promise and cannot be changed.” He referenced the historic 1898 *Wong Kim Ark* case, noting that under the 14th Amendment, any person born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction automatically becomes a citizen.
The Court specified only two narrow exceptions:
- Children of foreign diplomats
- Children born to enemy forces during occupation
President Trump had issued the executive order on the first day of his second term (January 20, 2025), directing that children of non-citizens or those living illegally in the country would not receive birthright citizenship. Several lower courts had already blocked the order, and the Supreme Court has now declared it unconstitutional in a final verdict.
The ruling brings major relief to millions of families, particularly within immigrant communities. Experts say that if the executive order had been enforced, the citizenship of nearly 200,000 children born each year in the United States could have been affected.
Three justices dissented from the decision, while Chief Justice Roberts and five other justices strongly supported the traditional interpretation of birthright citizenship.
This verdict not only ends the long-standing controversy over citizenship rights but also reaffirms the supremacy of the US Constitution.
