What to Know Wednesday

Why Birthright Citizenship Exists—And What is at Stake

Birthright 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.
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📩 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.
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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].