**Supreme Court to Decide Meaning of Birthright Citizenship Clause**
The U.S. Supreme Court is preparing to hear a major case about birthright citizenship. The outcome will depend on how the justices interpret one key phrase in the Fourteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution: “subject to the jurisdiction.” This case could redefine who is automatically granted U.S. citizenship at birth.
The Fourteenth Amendment says that anyone born in the U.S. is a citizen if they are “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country. This simple phrase has sparked a big legal debate. Advocates on one side argue that it includes nearly all children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. Opponents say it does not cover children born to foreign diplomats or people in the country illegally.
Legal experts say the phrase is not clearly defined, making the court’s decision especially important. In past rulings, such as the 1898 case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Supreme Court affirmed birthright citizenship for children of legal immigrants. However, critics argue that this decision should not apply to people who are in the U.S. without legal status.
If the court decides to change the current interpretation, it could impact thousands of families. Children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents may no longer receive automatic citizenship. This would also raise questions about their legal rights and status.
Political and immigration groups are closely watching this case. Some believe that changing the law would help control illegal immigration. Others say it would lead to discrimination and violate basic rights. Both sides have filed legal arguments hoping to influence the court’s decision.
The case is scheduled to be heard in early 2026, with a decision likely before July. Until then, the legal meaning of “jurisdiction” remains under debate. The ruling could become one of the most impactful decisions on immigration law in decades.
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