In a historic ruling, the US Supreme Court on Tuesday struck down a Trump administration executive order targeting birthright citizenship, preserving a defining principle of what it means to be born an American.
The court ruled 6-3 in Trump v. Barbara, holding that children born in the United States to undocumented parents or parents on temporary visas are entitled to US citizenship.
While undocumented immigration has long been central to the debate about birthright citizenship, so-called birth tourism has become an increasing focus in some political and policy arguments, with allegations made against China.
Echoing accusations of proponents of his executive order, US President Donald Trump took aim at China in a social media post after the decision was announced.
“I would like to congratulate President Xi, and the Great Country of China, on their massive Birthright Citizenship WIN! President DONALD J. TRUMP,” Trump wrote.
Restricting birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, which saw him sign an executive order in early 2025 to end citizenship for children of undocumented parents or temporary visa holders. The policy was scheduled to take effect the following month, but was repeatedly blocked in federal courts before it headed to the Supreme Court.