US President Donald Trump took advantage of a historic opportunity to attend hearings at the US Supreme Court, spending less than two hours in the courtroom. He participated in the court's discussion of the issue of birthright citizenship.
The president's participation in court proceedings is not prohibited by law. However, critics may see the move as a distraction and an attempt to influence court decisions.
According to the BBC, after returning to power, Trump issued an order to stop granting automatic citizenship to children born to parents who are in the country illegally or temporarily. His unusual visit to the court shows how important and dangerous decisions he can bring to this case.
This is the first immigration case to be heard by the Supreme Court in Trump’s second term. The court has previously heard other cases involving Trump’s immigration policies, but has not yet issued a final ruling.
The order to end birthright citizenship is not a central part of Trump’s broader strategy to deport millions of illegal immigrants. But the idea is popular with his supporters and has long been part of his immigration agenda.
If the court upholds the order, Trump could claim victory and use it to rally MAGA supporters ahead of the November midterm elections.
After the hearing, Trump described the United States on his Truth Social website as the only country in the world that grants citizenship based on birthright.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states that “all persons born within the United States are citizens of the United States.” The courts have since interpreted this definition broadly, ruling in 1898 that it also applies to children of immigrants.
Experts say that if the Supreme Court upholds Trump's position, the legal status of about 250,000 children born in the United States each year could be in doubt. Millions of families would also have to apply for citizenship for their children.
The final decision is expected at the end of the Supreme Court session, in June or early July.
Read “Zamin” on Telegram!
