A controversial new measure has been announced in the United States by former President Donald Trump, which seeks to change the right to citizenship by birth. Trump's proposal challenges the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents' immigration status.
The executive order signed by Trump would instruct federal agencies to deny citizenship papers to children born to immigrants without legal documentation. This decision, which seeks to change one of the pillars of the American immigration system, has sparked a wave of debate and legal action on several fronts.
What does the 14th Amendment say?
The 14th Amendment, ratified in 1868, establishes that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States". To change this constitutional guarantee would require a constitutional amendment process, which requires a high level of approval from Congress and the states.
Legal challenges ahead
Trump's proposal is already facing strong resistance from civil rights organizations, such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which argue that the measure is clearly unconstitutional. Several lawsuits have been filed against the executive order, pointing out that such a significant change to the concept of citizenship in the US cannot be made without due legislative process.
Experts also warn of the social and economic impacts of such a decision. "This could generate a significant increase in undocumented people, creating a new stateless population within the United States," says one political analyst.
Impact on the Immigrant Community
If implemented, the measure would directly affect thousands of immigrant families, creating uncertainty about the future of children born in the country. Human rights activists also point out that the order could increase discrimination and the challenges faced by the immigrant community.
Next steps
While the debate continues in the courts and in Congress, the issue is also gaining ground in political discussions. With a possible Trump candidacy for the 2024 presidential elections, citizenship by birth promises to be a central issue on the country's migration agenda.
