Why Birthright Citizenship Exists—And What is at StakeBirthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of American democracy for over 150 years. With the Trump administration renewing calls to dismantle it, it is important to understand what this protection is, why it was created, and how its loss could affect millions of people. If you were born in the United States, birthright citizenship is what guarantees you the full rights and protections of being an American—regardless of your parents’ immigration status. Why This Matters Birthright citizenship was written into the 14th Amendment in 1868, following the Civil War, to ensure that formerly enslaved people and their children could never be denied U.S. citizenship. The goal was to eliminate legal ambiguity and ensure equal protection under the law. Now, that guarantee is under threat. The Trump administration has proposed executive actions and legal strategies aimed at eliminating birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. Such actions would be unconstitutional, destabilizing, and discriminatory. What Birthright Citizenship Provides ✔️ Guaranteed Citizenship at Birth (if born on U.S. soil) ✔️ Automatic Access to U.S. Passports and Consular Protection ✔️ Full Constitutional Rights, Including Voting and Due Process ✔️ Legal Clarity—No need to prove parental immigration status ✔️ Equal Access to Education, Employment, and Social Safety Nets ✔️ Protection from Deportation or Statelessness ✔️ The Ability to Sponsor Family Members for Immigration in the Future Without this foundational principle, millions of children born in the United States could be denied legal identity, forced into uncertain status, or cut off from basic rights and opportunities. Best Practices for Staying Informed 📜 Know Your Rights – If you were born in the United States, your citizenship is protected under the Constitution. 🧾 Keep Your Birth Certificate Accessible – This is your proof of birthright citizenship and should be safely stored. 📚 Educate Others – Misinformation is widespread. Help friends, family, and coworkers understand that birthright citizenship is not a loophole, it is a legal and historical right. 🗳️ Stay Engaged – This issue will likely resurface in upcoming elections. Know where candidates stand on the 14th Amendment. ⚖️ Speak to a Trusted Immigration Attorney – If you have questions about your child’s status or future travel, seek legal guidance now rather than later. Final Note Birthright citizenship does not only protect individuals—it protects the promise of equality and opportunity at the heart of our Constitution. As legal and political attacks continue, knowing your rights and standing up for this principle is more important than ever. 📩 Questions about citizenship, your child’s legal status, or potential policy changes? Contact us at [email protected]. If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
The information provided in this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. To schedule a Consultation to discuss your legal immigration options, please email us at [email protected].
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How Your Immigration Status Affects Your Ability to Start a Business in the U.S. Many foreign nationals in the U.S. are highly skilled, entrepreneurial, and full of great ideas — but starting a business while on a visa is not as simple as forming an LLC. Your work visa may limit or outright prohibit certain types of entrepreneurial activity. Here’s what you need to know: 1. Most Work Visas Tie You to One Employer If you're on an H-1B, L-1, O-1, or similar employment-based visa, your authorization to work is generally restricted to the sponsoring employer. That means:
2. “Working for Yourself” Is a Legal Minefield You might think: “I’ll just form an LLC and work for my own company.” But USCIS sees through that quickly. To sponsor yourself on an H-1B, for example, your company must show a true employer-employee relationship — with someone other than you having control over your employment (think: a board of directors or independent manager). Without that separation, USCIS is likely to deny the petition. 3. Violation of Work Restrictions = Status Violation If you start a business while on a visa that doesn’t permit self-employment, you could be:
Even unpaid work or volunteering for your own company can be considered unauthorized employment if it benefits the business. 4. Alternatives Exist — But Planning Is Key If you’re serious about entrepreneurship, consider:
Each path has pros, cons, and timing considerations — and requires clear planning to stay compliant. Dream Big — But Stay Within Legal Boundaries Starting a business is an exciting idea, but if you're in the U.S. on a visa, immigration laws make it more complex than most people realize. Before you register that LLC or launch a side project, get immigration counsel to protect both your vision and your status. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we help foreign professionals navigate work visa limitations while exploring entrepreneurial pathways. For tailored guidance, contact us at [email protected]. If you have questions about your visa status or if you are an employer exploring immigration options, we are here to help. At the Law Office of Julia L. Stommes, we are committed to helping individuals and businesses navigate complex legal landscapes.
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