Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship Article

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Questions and Answers

What principle is birthright citizenship based on, and what is its Latin name?

Birthright citizenship is based on the principle of jus soli, which translates to 'right of the soil'.

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution is central to the debate about birthright citizenship?

The 14th Amendment.

According to Trump's executive order, what requirement would a child need to meet to be recognized as a U.S. citizen at birth?

The child must have at least one parent who is a U.S. citizen.

In what year was the 14th Amendment ratified, and in what context was it ratified?

The 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868, in the aftermath of the Civil War. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Wong Kim Ark, and why was his case significant to the discussion of birthright citizenship?

Wong Kim Ark was a person born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants. His Supreme Court case established that he was a U.S. citizen because he was born in the country, affirming birthright citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

Which states brought the case against President Trump's executive order mentioned in the article?

Washington, Arizona, Illinois and Oregon. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument of the states challenging Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship?

The states argued that the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court case law have cemented birthright citizenship. Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many countries apply birthright citizenship, according to the article?

About 30 countries. Signup and view all the answers

What principle, meaning 'right of the soil,' is the basis for birthright citizenship in the U.S.?

Jus soli Signup and view all the answers

Which amendment to the U.S. Constitution is cited as the primary legal basis for birthright citizenship?

14th Amendment Signup and view all the answers

In what year was the 14th Amendment ratified?

1868 Signup and view all the answers

What was the main argument against Wong Kim Ark's citizenship claim that the U.S. Supreme Court rejected?

That he wasn't a citizen under the Chinese Exclusion Act. Signup and view all the answers

What was the central argument made by those in favor of immigration restrictions regarding birthright citizenship?

That the prior case law only applied to legal immigrants. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main point of President Trump's executive order concerning birthright citizenship?

Children of noncitizens are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction. Signup and view all the answers

Name one of the states that brought a lawsuit against President Trump's executive order.

Washington, Arizona, Illinois or Oregon Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the Connecticut Attorney General who spoke out against Trump's executive order, citing it as a personal issue?

William Tong Signup and view all the answers

Roughly how many countries besides the U.S. have birthright citizenship laws?

About 30 Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many births were recorded in 2022 to mothers living in the U.S. illegally?

Around 255,000 Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Executive Order Blocking Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship.
The order was challenged by Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon, citing the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court precedent.
This is one of five lawsuits filed by 22 states and immigrant rights groups.
The lawsuits include personal testimonies by attorneys general (e.g., William Tong) who are U.S. citizens by birthright, and pregnant women concerned about citizenship for their children.
The order, slated to take effect on February 19th, could impact hundreds of thousands of people born in the U.S.
In 2022, approximately 255,000 U.S. citizens were born to mothers living in the U.S. illegally, and about 153,000 to two such parents.

Legal Arguments

The plaintiffs claim the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S.
The amendment explicitly states that "All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."
Trump's order argues children of non-U.S. citizens are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction, therefore are not guaranteed citizenship.
The Supreme Court's 1898 decision on Wong Kim Ark established birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S. regardless of the parents' immigration status.

Key Case Details

Wong Kim Ark (1898): The Supreme Court ruled that a person born in San Francisco to Chinese immigrants was a U.S. citizen, regardless of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
Current Arguments: Some argue this precedent applies only to legal immigrants, while others contest that it covers all those born in the U.S., thus citing illegality is irrelevant.
Specific Case: A pregnant immigrant, identified as "Carmen," is part of a lawsuit, highlighting the potential impact of the order on undocumented individuals' children.

International Context

Birthright citizenship is applied in about 30 countries, primarily in the Americas (including Canada and Mexico).
The principle is known as jus soli ("right of the soil").

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Description

This quiz explores the recent federal judge's ruling that blocked President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. It delves into the legal arguments surrounding the 14th Amendment and the implications for thousands of U.S. citizens born to undocumented parents.