The United States Supreme Court delivered a 6-3 ruling on June 30, 2026, upholding the longstanding practice of birthright citizenship, which grants automatic citizenship to nearly all individuals born in the US. This decision represents a significant rebuke to former US President Donald Trump’s attempt to overhaul immigration policy by ending birthright citizenship.

The Court's majority opinion emphasized that birthright citizenship is grounded in the US Constitution and a longstanding tradition dating back to English common law. It rejected the Trump administration’s claim that citizenship should be limited to children of US citizens or permanent residents.

Justice Kavanaugh noted that Trump’s executive order conflicted with the Immigration and Nationality Act, suggesting that Congress could amend or enact new legislation to address the issue. However, it is rare for the Supreme Court to revisit such cases without a new legal theory, though a bill passed by Congress aiming to end birthright citizenship could set the stage for future challenges.

Reactions to the ruling varied. Anthony Romero stated, “The president bet his legacy trying to secure this policy win – even attending the argument in person, and he lost.” Senator Alex Padilla, himself born in the US, expressed pride in citizenship and the freedom to pursue the American Dream.

Despite the ruling, former President Trump vowed to continue efforts to end birthright citizenship.

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