Birthright Citizenship Shift: Who’s Affected?

USAWed Jan 22 2025
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President Trump's recent announcement aims to adjust birthright citizenship rules in the United States. For over 150 years, the Constitution has granted automatic citizenship to babies born on American soil. However, the new executive order seeks to change this, affecting not just undocumented immigrants but also many legal temporary residents. Imagine you're a student from another country, here on a visa to study at a U. S. university. Or maybe you're a high-tech worker hired by an American company. Under the new rules, your child born in the U. S. might not automatically gain citizenship if you, the parent, are not a permanent resident. This change could impact many people who are legally in the country and contributing to its growth. Initially, it was suggested that the order would only apply to children of undocumented immigrants. But the actual document, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, " stretches much further. Experts like David Leopold, an immigration lawyer, have pointed out that this affects numerous legal visitors who are actively contributing to the nation. People are surprised and concerned. "It's a shock to those who are here lawfully, following the rules, and bringing benefits to the country, " Leopold said. These include researchers, professionals, and students who are engaged in cutting-edge work and strengthening the U. S. economy and innovation. The future of this policy depends on the courts. If allowed to stand, it could lead to significant changes for visa holders and their families.