The debate over birthright citizenship is back in the spotlight as South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson argues that the 14th Amendment has been misinterpreted for decades.
His statement comes as the Supreme Court reviews legal challenges against former President Donald Trump’s executive order, which seeks to end automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents. More than two dozen states have challenged the order, claiming it violates constitutional rights.
South Carolina Stands With Trump’s Order
South Carolina is among 18 states that have filed a brief supporting Trump’s stance on birthright citizenship. Wilson believes the amendment was originally meant to grant citizenship to emancipated slaves, not to allow children of undocumented immigrants to gain automatic U.S. citizenship.
He criticized what he calls the “misuse” of the amendment, stating that it has been wrongly applied over the past 160 years.
White House Defends Executive Order
The White House has defended Trump’s executive order, stating that it operates within legal boundaries. According to officials, the goal is to clarify the amendment’s original intent and prevent the alleged misuse of citizenship laws. Wilson reinforced this argument, claiming that people should not be able to gain citizenship simply by being born on U.S. soil under specific circumstances.
The legal battle over birthright citizenship is expected to intensify as the Supreme Court reviews the case. The outcome could have major implications for U.S. immigration laws and policies moving forward.
