What Will Happen to Birthright Citizenship?

The Supreme Court heard arguments on February 28, 2024, regarding the interpretation of the Fourteenth Amendment and its implications for birthright citizenship in the United States. The case, which centers on whether individuals born in the U.S. to parents who are not U.S. citizens or legal residents are automatically granted citizenship, could potentially alter long-standing legal precedent. The arguments focused on the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, which states that 'All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.' Legal scholars and advocates on both sides presented their interpretations of the clause's original intent and its application in contemporary society. The outcome of this case could have significant ramifications for immigration policy and the legal status of millions of individuals residing in the U.S. The Supreme Court's decision is anticipated to clarify the scope of birthright citizenship and its constitutional underpinnings.