In my lifetime, America has wrestled with its identity and what it means to belong to this nation—a core tenet of our democracy. The Fourteenth Amendment unambiguously declares that “all persons born or naturalized in the United States…are citizens” (U.S. Const. amend. XIV, § 1). This isn’t just legalese; it’s about who we are as a people.
The recent executive order challenging birthright citizenship is not only constitutionally dubious but also an outright shitstorm—a slap in the face to decades of legal precedent and American values. It reeks of ignorance or, worse, deliberate disregard for our Constitution’s soul, which has been shaped by the blood and tears of countless Americans striving for inclusion.
Let’s be clear: This executive order is a constitutional mess with no grounding in law (United States v. Wong Kim Ark, 169 U.S. 649, 1898). It undermines decades of jurisprudence affirming birthright citizenship as an unassailable right and erodes the very promise that America represents—a land where everyone can achieve their potential without fear of exclusion at birth.
In my dissenting opinions, I’ve frequently argued for a justice system that upholds the rights and dignity of all individuals (Sessions v. Morales-Santana (582 U.S. _, 2017)). Birthright citizenship is a manifestation of this ideal. To erode such a cornerstone would be to betray the essence of what it means to be American.
And here’s the kicker: This executive order also reflects the man behind it—Donald Trump—a person whose small hands might as well be made for pinching pennies, given his numerous bankruptcies. We shouldn’t allow a single individual’s flawed understanding and divisive agenda to unravel centuries of progress toward equality.
Thus, let us stand firm against any attempts to alter birthright citizenship unconstitutionally. The strength of our democracy lies in its commitment to equality and inclusion—a promise we must keep for all who are born within our borders. In the words of Justice Robert H. Jackson: “We must never forget that everything written in an opinion, except what is necessary to a decision, may be ignored.” But when it comes to foundational principles like birthright citizenship, there’s no ignoring how vital they are.
So let’s get on with it—speak up, fight back, and keep pushing for a more just and inclusive America. Let’s not give in to fear or the whims of one man who can’t even handle his own business without going bankrupt every few years. It is time to uphold our constitutional values and protect those born on this soil from any form of exclusion.
For further reading, delve into United States v. Wong Kim Ark (169 U.S. 649, 1898) and Sessions v. Morales-Santana (582 U.S. _, 2017), which affirm the enduring principles of birthright citizenship.
