Supreme Court to Announce Birthright Citizenship Ruling Friday

By mid-2025, the Supreme Court will rule on Trump’s executive order denying birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents, potentially reshaping immigration policy and citizenship rights for millions, amid ongoing legal challenges and injunctions blocking the order’s enforcement.

Key Takeaways

• Supreme Court will decide birthright citizenship case by late June or early July 2025.
• Trump’s 2025 executive order denies citizenship to children of non-citizens born after February 19, 2025.
• Several federal judges blocked the order with nationwide injunctions pending Supreme Court review.

The Supreme Court is set to deliver a major decision on birthright citizenship by late June or early July 2025, a ruling that could reshape the lives of millions of children born in the United States 🇺🇸. This highly anticipated decision comes after months of legal battles following President Donald Trump’s executive order, “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” issued on January 20, 2025. The order aims to end automatic citizenship for children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to parents who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents (LPRs). As of June 26, 2025, the Supreme Court has not yet issued its final decision, but the case has already sparked intense debate, legal challenges, and widespread concern across the country.

What Is at Stake: Who, What, When, Where, and Why

Supreme Court to Announce Birthright Citizenship Ruling Friday
Supreme Court to Announce Birthright Citizenship Ruling Friday

At the heart of the case is the question of whether children born in the United States 🇺🇸 to non-citizen, non-LPR parents should continue to receive automatic citizenship at birth—a right known as birthright citizenship. President Donald Trump’s executive order, if allowed to take effect, would deny this right to children born on or after February 19, 2025, whose parents do not have U.S. citizenship or permanent resident status. The order directs federal agencies to refuse citizenship documents, such as passports and Social Security cards, to these children, and instructs them to ignore state-issued documents that confirm citizenship.

The Supreme Court’s decision will not only determine the fate of President Trump’s order but also clarify the power of lower courts to block such orders nationwide. Multiple federal judges have already issued nationwide injunctions, temporarily stopping the order from being enforced while the legal process continues.

The Fourteenth Amendment and Birthright Citizenship

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, adopted in 1868, states that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This principle, known as birthright citizenship, was confirmed by the Supreme Court in the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which held that nearly all children born on U.S. soil are citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

For over a century, this rule has been a cornerstone of American immigration law. However, calls to end birthright citizenship have grown louder in recent years, with some arguing that it encourages illegal immigration and “birth tourism”—when people travel to the United States 🇺🇸 to give birth so their children can become citizens.

President Trump’s Executive Order

On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting birthright citizenship. The order applies to children born in the United States 🇺🇸 on or after February 19, 2025, whose parents are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents. It instructs federal agencies to deny these children citizenship documents and to disregard any state-issued documents that claim to prove their citizenship.

The order quickly faced legal challenges. At least four federal judges issued nationwide injunctions, blocking the order from taking effect while lawsuits moved forward. The Supreme Court agreed to review the case, hearing oral arguments on May 15, 2025, in consolidated cases including Trump v. CASA, Inc., Trump v. Washington, and Trump v. New Jersey.

Legislative Efforts: The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025

Alongside the executive order, lawmakers introduced the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 (S. 304 in the Senate and H.R. 569 in the House) to make similar restrictions permanent through legislation. The House bill was introduced on January 21, 2025, and the Senate version followed on January 29, 2025. As of June 2025, the bills remain in committee and have not become law. The Senate bill has two cosponsors, while the House version has 51.

The Supreme Court’s review focuses on two main questions:

  1. Is President Trump’s executive order constitutional?
  2. Do lower courts have the authority to issue nationwide injunctions blocking such orders?

During oral arguments, liberal justices strongly questioned the order’s constitutionality, pointing to the clear language of the Fourteenth Amendment and the Supreme Court’s own precedent in Wong Kim Ark. Conservative justices, meanwhile, focused on whether lower courts should have the power to block federal policies nationwide, rather than just in specific regions.

Legal scholars widely agree that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship regardless of parental status. Most experts argue that changing this rule would require a constitutional amendment, not just an executive order or legislation. However, supporters of the order, including President Trump and several Republican lawmakers, argue that the current policy is abused and undermines national security.

What Happens If the Order Is Upheld?

If the Supreme Court upholds President Trump’s executive order, the effects will be immediate and far-reaching. Here’s what families and communities can expect:

Step-by-Step Process for Families

  1. Birth Registration: Parents will still register their child’s birth as usual, but federal agencies will now require proof that at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.
  2. Citizenship Documentation: If neither parent qualifies, the child will be denied a U.S. birth certificate indicating citizenship, as well as a passport and Social Security card.
  3. Legal Recourse: Families can challenge these denials in court, but the process will be difficult, costly, and uncertain, especially if the Supreme Court has already ruled in favor of the order.

Who Will Be Affected?

  • Children of Undocumented Immigrants: These children will no longer receive automatic citizenship at birth.
  • Children of Temporary Visa Holders: Children born to parents on student, tourist, or work visas (such as H-1B workers) will also be denied citizenship.
  • Stateless Children: Some children may not qualify for citizenship in their parents’ home countries, leaving them stateless and vulnerable.

Practical Effects

  • No Federal Citizenship Documents: Affected children will not receive U.S. passports or Social Security numbers, making it hard to access basic services, enroll in school, or travel.
  • Legal Limbo: Many children could become stateless, with no country recognizing them as citizens. This can lead to serious problems, including lack of access to healthcare, education, and legal protections.
  • Population Impact: The Migration Policy Institute estimates that ending birthright citizenship for children of unauthorized immigrants could increase the undocumented population by 4.7 million by 2050.

Reactions from Key Stakeholders

Supporters of the Order

  • President Donald Trump: Has repeatedly argued that birthright citizenship is a “magnet” for illegal immigration and birth tourism. He believes ending it will strengthen national security and reduce abuse of the system.
  • Republican Lawmakers: Senators Lindsey Graham, Ted Cruz, and Katie Britt are leading sponsors of the Birthright Citizenship Act. They argue that the current policy is outdated and puts the United States 🇺🇸 out of step with most other countries.

Opponents of the Order

  • Civil Rights and Immigrant Advocacy Groups: Strongly oppose the order and related legislation, arguing that they violate the Fourteenth Amendment and would create a large stateless population. They warn of increased fear and confusion in immigrant communities.
  • Legal Scholars: Most experts say the order is unconstitutional and would harm millions of children. They point to the Supreme Court’s 1898 decision in Wong Kim Ark as clear precedent.
  • Democratic Lawmakers: Argue that birthright citizenship is a core American value and that changing it would undermine the country’s history as a nation of immigrants.

State and Local Governments

Many states and local agencies are already preparing for possible changes. Schools, hospitals, and social service providers are reviewing their policies and bracing for confusion if the Supreme Court upholds the order. Some are worried about how to handle children who lack citizenship documents, while others fear an increase in stateless or undocumented children needing support.

Policy Implications and Broader Impact

Administrative Challenges

If birthright citizenship is ended for some children, federal and state agencies will face new challenges in verifying parents’ citizenship or immigration status. This could lead to delays, errors, and increased paperwork for families and government workers alike.

Social and Economic Effects

  • Strain on Social Services: More children without legal status could put pressure on schools, hospitals, and other public services.
  • Fear and Uncertainty: Immigrant communities are already experiencing anxiety about the future. Some families may avoid hospitals or schools out of fear, leading to worse health and educational outcomes for children.
  • Legal Confusion: The change could trigger a wave of lawsuits as families challenge denials of citizenship, creating further uncertainty and backlogs in the courts.

International Comparisons

Supporters of the order often point out that most countries do not grant automatic citizenship to children born on their soil unless at least one parent is a citizen or permanent resident. However, critics argue that the United States 🇺🇸 has a unique history and legal tradition, and that changing this rule would break with more than a century of established law.

What Comes Next: Supreme Court Decision and Legislative Outlook

The Supreme Court’s decision is expected by late June or early July 2025. The ruling could address both the constitutionality of President Trump’s executive order and the power of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions. No matter the outcome, further legal challenges and legislative efforts are likely.

Meanwhile, the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 remains in committee, with its future uncertain. Passage would require support from both houses of Congress, which is far from guaranteed given the divided political climate.

What Should Families and Stakeholders Do Now?

  • Stay Informed: Follow updates from the Supreme Court and official government sources, such as the Supreme Court of the United States, for the latest rulings and case information.
  • Seek Legal Help: Families who may be affected should consult with immigration lawyers or advocacy groups for advice and support.
  • Monitor Legislative Developments: Track the progress of the Birthright Citizenship Act and related bills on Congress.gov.

Summary Table: Key Proposals and Status

Policy/Action Status (June 2025) Main Effect
Trump Executive Order (Jan 2025) Blocked by federal courts, pending Supreme Court decision Ends birthright citizenship for children of non-citizens/LPRs born after Feb 19, 2025
Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 Introduced, in committee Would codify similar restrictions as the executive order
Supreme Court Review Decision expected late June/early July 2025 Will address both constitutionality and injunction scope

Conclusion: A Turning Point for U.S. Immigration

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on birthright citizenship is likely to be one of the most important immigration rulings in decades. It will decide whether millions of children born in the United States 🇺🇸 will continue to receive automatic citizenship, or whether a new era of restrictions will begin. The outcome will have immediate and long-lasting effects for families, government agencies, and the entire immigration system.

As reported by VisaVerge.com, the stakes could not be higher. The decision will not only affect those born after February 19, 2025, but could also set a precedent for future immigration policy and the interpretation of the Constitution itself. All eyes are now on the Supreme Court as the nation waits for a ruling that will shape the future of American citizenship for generations to come.

Learn Today

Birthright Citizenship → Automatic citizenship granted to anyone born on U.S. soil, regardless of parents’ immigration status.
Executive Order → A presidential directive that manages operations of the federal government with the force of law.
Nationwide Injunction → A court order that stops enforcement of a policy across the entire country.
Fourteenth Amendment → A constitutional amendment guaranteeing citizenship to all born or naturalized in the United States.
Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) → An immigrant authorized to live and work permanently in the United States.

This Article in a Nutshell

The Supreme Court’s upcoming decision on birthright citizenship challenges a century-old rule, sparked by Trump’s 2025 executive order denying automatic citizenship to children of undocumented or non-resident parents. This ruling will impact millions, legal precedent, and future immigration policies in the United States, altering birthright citizenship fundamentally.
— By VisaVerge.com

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Oliver Mercer
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As the Chief Editor at VisaVerge.com, Oliver Mercer is instrumental in steering the website's focus on immigration, visa, and travel news. His role encompasses curating and editing content, guiding a team of writers, and ensuring factual accuracy and relevance in every article. Under Oliver's leadership, VisaVerge.com has become a go-to source for clear, comprehensive, and up-to-date information, helping readers navigate the complexities of global immigration and travel with confidence and ease.
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