Story perspectives

Trump's Order Could Leave 6.4 Million Children Stateless

4/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

A Penn State study says, if President Donald Trump’s order ends universal birthright citizenship, 6.4 million U.S.-born children could lose status by 2050.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the order with a decision expected in April 2025.
The study projects most affected children would be Hispanic and Asian immigrants would face delays.
A stateless population could form among families legally present with children born during visa waits.

History

Historical Context

The 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark affirmed birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S., establishing that they are citizens regardless of their parents' status. This ruling, rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment, has significant implications today, as ongoing debates about immigration policy, particularly under President Trump's administration, threaten to redefine citizenship for millions, including 6.4 million children of immigrants.

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Story summary

A Penn State study says, if President Donald Trump’s order ends universal birthright citizenship, 6.4 million U.S.-born children could lose status by 2050.
The Supreme Court is reviewing the order with a decision expected in April 2025.
The study projects most affected children would be Hispanic and Asian immigrants would face delays.
A stateless population could form among families legally present with children born during visa waits.

1 / 2