Trump Administration Targets Birthright Citizenship via Passport Rules

Under existing regulations, parents applying for a minor's passport must establish a parental relationship and provide photo identification. While application forms currently ask for a declaration of status, the new State Department draft guidance would mandate the submission of specific documentation, such as birth certificates, US passports, or I-94 forms. This evidence is intended to determine if a child falls under the restrictions of Executive Order 14418, which aims to withhold citizenship from children of foreign government employees, those involved in citizenship fraud, or individuals classified as enemy aliens.

State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated that the administration intends to protect the value of American citizenship through these rigorous adjudication processes. However, the proposal faces immediate legal scrutiny. Plaintiffs in class-action lawsuits are currently seeking to block the order, with US District Judge Deborah Boardman expressing skepticism during a recent hearing in Maryland. Justice Department attorneys maintain that the legal challenges are premature, as the government continues to refine its implementation strategy. This initiative follows a previous executive order that was struck down by the Supreme Court in a 6-3 decision for violating the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.