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• Curated by Copilot • 2h ago

Rand Paul pushes amendment to end birthright citizenship

Sen. Rand Paul has introduced a constitutional amendment to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born to non-legal residents in the U.S., citing a misreading of the 14th Amendment. The move comes as the Supreme Court reviews President Trump's 2025 executive order seeking similar limits, with a ruling expected by June. Paul's proposal faces steep political hurdles but signals a broader GOP push to redefine citizenship eligibility.

Amendment seeks to narrow citizenship eligibility

Paul’s proposed constitutional amendment would redefine the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause so that only children born in the U.S. to a citizen, a lawful permanent resident, or an active-duty military member with legal status would automatically receive citizenship. This would exclude children of undocumented immigrants or those without permanent resident status. The proposal mirrors past legislative efforts Paul supported, such as the Birthright Citizenship Act of 2011, and aims to codify restrictions regardless of court rulings. Washington Examiner + 3

Washington Examiner

Timing tied to Supreme Court battle

Paul’s move comes as the Supreme Court hears arguments in Trump v. Barbara, a case challenging Trump’s 2025 executive order that sought to end automatic citizenship for children of undocumented parents. Lower courts blocked the order, but the high court’s decision, expected by June, could redefine the scope of the 14th Amendment’s ‘subject to the jurisdiction’ clause. Paul has framed his amendment as a safeguard if the Court rules against his preferred interpretation. Washington Examiner + 3

Historic precedent under scrutiny

The legal debate challenges the 1898 Supreme Court ruling in United States v. Wong Kim Ark, which established that nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil are citizens regardless of parental status. Trump’s legal team argues this interpretation has been misapplied, citing concerns about ‘birth tourism’ and immigration pressures. Civil rights groups warn that weakening birthright citizenship could create stateless children and erode other constitutional protections. Business Times + 2

Long odds but potent politics

Amending the Constitution requires two-thirds approval in both chambers of Congress and ratification by 38 states, making Paul’s proposal unlikely to pass. Analysts see the move as a political signal to the GOP base and a warning to the Court that Congress may act if the ruling is narrow. The debate underscores immigration’s role as a galvanizing issue in Republican politics ahead of the Court’s summer decision. Hoodline + 1

Rand Paul pushes amendment to end birthright citizenship