Trump’s attempt to suspend birthright citizenship faces legal hurdles
President Donald Trump’s recent executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship has ignited a legal and political battle with courts across the country stepping in to block its enforcement. This controversial move challenges over a century of legal precedent and has significant implications for students at The University of Tulsa and young people nationwide.
Birthright citizenship, which guarantees US citizenship to individuals born on American soil, is deeply rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment. In 1867 the US Senate ratified the amendment designed to ensure that formerly enslaved individuals and their descendants were recognized as full citizens. The citizenship clause explicitly states, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” For generations, this principle has allowed individuals from diverse backgrounds to participate in American society including higher education fully. The landmark 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark confirmed that birthright citizenship applies to all children born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Trump’s executive order titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship” seeks to redefine who qualifies for automatic citizenship. Under the order, children would only be granted birthright citizenship if at least one parent is a US citizen or lawful permanent resident. The order also directs federal agencies to stop recognizing citizenship for certain children, which would make obtaining legal documents such as passports nearly impossible.
For students at The University of Tulsa, this order raises concerns beyond immigration policy — it could impact their classmates, friends and future career opportunities. Many students come from diverse backgrounds and some may be directly affected by the uncertainty surrounding their citizenship status. If enforced, the order could limit their ability to work, apply for financial aid or participate in academic programs that require legal documentation.
The executive order has faced an immediate legal pushback. Multiple lawsuits have been filed by a coalition of 22 states, advocacy groups and individuals. Federal judges in Maryland, Washington, New Hampshire and Massachusetts have blocked the order’s implementation, citing clear violations of the Fourteenth Amendment. CBSNews most recently reported, on February 13, 2025, US District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled that Trump’s interpretation of the Citizenship Clause contradicts long-standing Supreme Court precedent.
The University of Tulsa’s student body includes individuals from various immigration backgrounds. If the executive order were implemented, students born in the US to parents who lack permanent residency or citizenship could face significant legal and financial hardships. This uncertainty could discourage talented students from pursuing higher education, impacting the diversity and richness of campus life.
Beyond legal concerns, the executive order raises ethical and social issues that resonate with college students. Many young people are engaged in political discussions, advocating for policies that align with principles of equality and inclusion. This issue serves as a call to action for students to stay informed, participate in civic engagement and support classmates who may be affected by shifting immigration policies.
Ultimately, birthright citizenship is more than a legal principle — it is a foundation of American identity and opportunity. As students at The University of Tulsa prepare for their futures, they must consider how policies like this could shape the world they graduate into. By staying engaged and informed, they can play a role in shaping policies that uphold fairness and justice for all.
