HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
“Every child born in the United States… is a citizen.’ This simple idea is now the subject of a fierce legal battle. What’s changing? Why does it matter? And what could it mean for families across America? Lately, you might have seen headlines about birthright citizenship being in legal trouble. Here’s what’s really happening.
First, what is birthright citizenship?
It’s a rule in the U.S. Constitution: If you’re born in the United States, you’re automatically a U.S. citizen—no matter where your parents are from or what their immigration status is. This has been true for over 150 years, and it’s part of what makes America so unique.
So, why is this in the news lately?
Earlier this year, the government—under President Trump—signed an executive order trying to change how birthright citizenship works. The order aims to prevent automatic citizenship for some children born in the U.S. if their parents are undocumented.
What’s happening in court?
This order didn’t go unnoticed! Civil rights groups and several states immediately filed lawsuits, saying the order goes against the Constitution. There are a couple of big cases you might hear about: CASA v. Trump and Washington v. Trump.
For right now, judges have blocked the government from enforcing the order, and the fight is moving up through the courts, with everyone watching to see what the Supreme Court decides next.
The Supreme Court heard oral arguments for the consolidated birthright citizenship cases—Trump v. CASA Inc., Washington v. Trump, and Trump v. New Jersey—on May 15, 2025. As of now, there is no official decision or schedule for when the final ruling will be released.
- The Supreme Court does not announce decision dates in advance but typically issues major decisions by the end of its formal term in late June or early July.
- Given the importance and complexity of this case, observers expect a decision “in the next term,” which could be early 2026 unless the Court uses its emergency docket to issue a faster ruling if new developments arise.
Why does it matter?
This isn’t just a legal question—it affects real families. If the rules change, many children born here might not get the same rights or protection. It is a big deal, and people across the country are waiting to see what will happen.
How can you keep up with this issue?
Watch for updates on cases like CASA v. Trump and Washington v. Trump. Trusted news sources, legal advocacy groups like the ACLU, and even the Supreme Court’s website will have the latest information. Or, reach out to us directly or follow our page, we’ll keep you informed and help you understand how these developments could affect you or your family.
To sum up:
Nothing has changed yet— the birthright citizenship still stands. But keep your eyes on the news, because this is a legal and political fight that could shape the future for millions.
Let us know if you have questions, or if you want to talk with one of our experienced immigration attorneys about how these changes might affect you or your loved ones!
