Barr advocates for birthright citizenship dispute, revealing increased loyalty towards Trump
In a move that has sparked widespread debate, Representative Andy Barr, a close ally of President Donald J. Trump, has introduced a constitutional amendment aimed at revising the 14th Amendment and ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. The proposed amendment, titled the "Protecting American Citizenship Amendment," was officially introduced on June 27, 2025.
The amendment seeks to clarify the 14th Amendment by specifying that only children born in the U.S. to at least one parent who is a U.S. national, a lawful permanent resident, or a lawful servicemember are eligible for citizenship. This would effectively end birthright citizenship for those born to illegal immigrants.
The legislative progress of the amendment is currently in the introduction phase in Congress, and it has yet to pass or move further through the legislative process. The proposal has been met with opposition from various quarters, with voices urging members of Congress to reject any effort to undermine birthright citizenship, which is considered a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment.
The issue ties into broader political and legal conflicts over immigration policy and citizenship rights. Supporters of the amendment, including Rep. Barr and President Trump, argue that it is necessary to protect American citizenship and prevent "radical judges" from obstructing immigration enforcement. Opponents, however, view the amendment as a threat to the fundamental principles of the Constitution and the rights of millions of individuals who have been considered U.S. citizens since July 9, 1868, the day the 14th Amendment was ratified.
A recent Supreme Court decision related to birthright citizenship cases involving former President Trump has provided a political context for the amendment's introduction. The court, influenced by Sen. Mitch McConnell's efforts, appears inclined to support Trump's wishes. However, the amendment's future remains uncertain, with its passage far from guaranteed.
A Pew Research Center survey found that public opinion on the issue is divided, with 50% of people believing that people born in the U.S. to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. The debate continues to rage on, with both sides presenting compelling arguments for their respective positions.
As the amendment makes its way through the legislative process, it is clear that the issue of birthright citizenship will continue to be a contentious one. The outcome of the amendment's progress will have significant implications for millions of individuals and the future of immigration policy in the United States.
[1] Congress.gov. (2025). H.J. Res. 123 - Protecting American Citizenship Amendment. [online] Available at: https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-joint-resolution/123
[2] CNN. (2025). Rep. Andy Barr introduces constitutional amendment to end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants. [online] Available at: https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/27/politics/andy-barr-birthright-citizenship-amendment/index.html
[3] The New York Times. (2025). The Battle Over Birthright Citizenship Heats Up. [online] Available at: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/07/05/us/politics/birthright-citizenship-amendment.html
[4] The Washington Post. (2025). The fight over birthright citizenship is heating up in Congress. [online] Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2025/06/28/fight-over-birthright-citizenship-is-heating-up-congress/
- The Protecting American Citizenship Amendment, a proposal introduced by Representative Andy Barr, aims to revise the 14th Amendment and end birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants.
- The amendment's progress in Congress is currently in the introduction phase, and it is yet to pass or move further through the legislative process.
- The amendment's opponents argue that it is a threat to the fundamental principles of the Constitution and the rights of millions of individuals, considering U.S. citizens since the 14th Amendment was ratified in 1868.
- A recent Supreme Court decision related to birthright citizenship cases provides a political context for the amendment's introduction, with the court appearing inclined to support the proposed changes.
- A Pew Research Center survey found that public opinion on the issue is divided, with 50% of people believing that people born in the U.S. to parents who immigrated illegally should have U.S. citizenship, while 49% say they should not. The general news, policy-and-legislation, politics, culture, and economy of Kentucky and the nation as a whole will continue to shape the ongoing debate on this matter.
