B2 — Upper Intermediate
Birthright citizenship in the United States means that most people born on U.S. soil automatically become U.S. citizens, regardless of their parents’ citizenship. It is based on the Fourteenth Amendment and has been a key part of American law, though it remains the subject of ongoing legal and political debate.
President Donald Trump has sought to end or limit birthright citizenship through executive action, arguing that the Constitution should not automatically grant citizenship to every child born in the United States. His efforts have faced legal challenges, with opponents arguing that the Fourteenth Amendment protects birthright citizenship and that changing it would require a constitutional amendment or a different interpretation by the courts.
The U.S. Supreme Court rejected former President Donald Trump’s attempt to end birthright citizenship, ruling that his executive order violated the Fourteenth Amendment. The decision reaffirmed that nearly all children born on U.S. soil are automatically U.S. citizens, preserving a constitutional principle that has been in place for more than 150 years.
Watch the video about US Supreme Court rejects one of Trump’s signature anti-immigration policies which is to end to birthright citizenship.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “birthright citizenship” mean? “It was on his very first day when Donald Trump returned to the White House that he signed an executive order trying to end birthright citizenship.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “enshrine” mean? ”This is a right enshrined in the Constitution, it’s difficult to see how he can overturn the US Supreme Court’s ruling.” Use the word in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “ruling” mean? ”After the ruling today, it can never be enforced.” Use the term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What are the main arguments for and against birthright citizenship?
- What is your opinion about Trump trying to abolish birthright citizenship and the U.S. Supreme Court deciding to uphold it?
- Should birthright citizenship apply to all children born in a country? Why or why not? What are the rules in your country regarding this?
- Do you think birthright citizenship reflects a country’s values? Explain how so.
- How could changing birthright citizenship affect immigrants and their families?