Birthright Citizenship Protects Every American, Not Just Newcomers
- Tom Faletti
- 7 days ago
- 1 min read
Among the unseen implications of the attempt to abolish birthright citizenship is this: Even natural-born citizens would be at risk.
National Catholic Reporter published an article I wrote about birthright citizenship. The article explains how abolishing birthright citizenship would hurt even natural-born citizens.
Make no mistake: Birthright citizenship protects us all
by Tom Faletti
National Catholic Reporter
January 16, 2026
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments this spring on President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship, with a decision expected by June or early July.
Some people think this debate is all about immigrants. They are mistaken. If Trump succeeds in eliminating birthright citizenship, anyone’s citizenship might be challenged.
“But I’m a natural-born citizen,” some might respond — using words straight out of the Constitution. “I was a citizen when I was born.”
. . .
If the president can choose who has a right to birthright citizenship and who doesn’t, then it’s not a right anymore. In fact, the [president’s] executive order does not even acknowledge citizenship as a right. Instead, it refers to citizenship as a “gift” and a “privilege.” Who gets to give this “gift” or withhold this “privilege”?
. . .
Read the rest of the article here: Make no mistake: Birthright citizenship protects us all.
