President Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented or temporary visa-holding parents. Effective February 19, the controversial policy has sparked global debates, legal challenges, and mixed reactions from Nigerians, highlighting its potential impact on immigrant communities and constitutional rights.
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship in the United States. The policy, effective February 19, denies citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents lack legal status or hold temporary visas.
The order, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship," aims to curb immigration by tightening citizenship eligibility. Critics argue it undermines constitutional rights, while supporters praise it as a step toward securing American values.
In Nigeria, the announcement triggered diverse reactions. Some citizens expressed concern over the policy’s impact on families, particularly those who sought a better life for their children in the U.S. Others supported the move, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing legal pathways to immigration.
Global analysts predict the policy will face intense legal challenges, with debates focusing on its alignment with the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born on American soil.
While Trump’s administration insists the executive order strengthens American identity, critics warn it could create stateless children and strain diplomatic relations. Legal experts also highlight the risks of setting a controversial precedent that could influence immigration policies globally.
