Protests outside the U.S. Supreme Court mark a reaction to President Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship. The move, challenging a long-standing constitutional practice, sparks debate on public opinion, legal status, and the implications for immigrants.
People participate in a protest outside the U.S. Supreme Court over President Trump's move to end birthright citizenship on May 15, 2025.The decision, not expected for months, could reshape what had been a longtime, constitutionally enshrined practice that has been challenged by the Trump administration.
Public opinion on the issue is complicated. Americans are heavily in favor of granting citizenship to children born to parents who were also born in the U.S. — or to those who immigrated to the U.S. legally. But they are split on — or much less in support of — automatic citizenship for children born to parents who immigratedIn the United States, birthright citizenship became part of the Constitution in 1868 as an effort to protect recently freed slaves. "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."Aimed at immigrants who cross the border illegally, the Trump administration argues that the Constitution's clause is outdated and has been abused.Public opinion is nuanced on birthright citizenship and can depend on how pollsters ask the question., people largely say they are supportive. But that support begins to crumble when respondents are asked about the parents' legal status — with significant divisions by party, race, age and how they get their information.But both showed higher support than other surveys, and both mentioned in their questions that the right is found in the U.S. Constitution.showed that more than 9 in 10 support birthright citizenship for those born to parents who immigrated to the U.S. legally, but — by a 50%-49% margin — were divided on giving it to those born to parents who are in the country illegally. had 51% in favor with 39% opposed. But that dropped considerably for those not in the country legally. Just 31% said they were in favor of granting citizenship to babies of people who are"undocumented," as the survey put it, and only 25% for tourists visiting the U.S. Many polls fairly consistently show majorities of Democrats, Latinos, Black Americans and those who are younger are in favor of birthright citizenship, while majorities of Republicans, especially white Republicans, are against. For example, Pew found three-quarters of Democrats in support of granting citizenship to children of those who immigrated illegally, but only a quarter of Republicans supported it. There is a split among Republicans, though. Only 18% of white Republicans are in favor, but 55% of Republican Hispanics are in favor. By race regardless of political party, Pew found three-quarters of Latinos and 61% of Black Americans were in favor of birthright citizenship for those whose parents immigrated illegally, but only 48% of Asian Americans and 42% of whites were. CHIP50, similarly, found 8 in 10 Democrats support birthright citizenship"regardless of their parents' immigration status," but only 39% of Republicans in favor. Those under 50 were in favor of birthright citizenship if the parents"immigrated illegally" by a 58%-41% margin, according to Pew. But almost 6 in 10 of those 50 or older were against it. There was also a divide depending on how long the respondent has been in the United States. Two-thirds of second-generation Americans in Pew's polling were in favor. But 55% of those who are third generation or higher were against it. PRRI found a big divide by how information is consumed, too. In that survey, 80% or more of those who most trust newspapers or mainstream TV news were in support of birthright citizenship,"regardless of their parents' citizenship status." But only 41% of those who trust Fox News support birthright citizenship, and an even lower number of those who prefer outlets that are considered even further to the right did, too.Domenico Montanaro is NPR's senior political editor/correspondent. Based in Washington, D.C., his work appears on air and online delivering analysis of the political climate in Washington and campaigns. He also helps edit political coverage.San Diego MTS granted $60.4 million by state rail capital program KPBS keeps you informed with local stories you need to know about — with no paywall. Our news is free for everyone because people like you help fund it.
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