Trump Signs Executive Orders Targeting Birthright Citizenship and Birth Tourism

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders on August 6, 2026, aimed at narrowing birthright citizenship and intensifying efforts against commercial ‘birth tourism’ ^[1][2]. The first executive order seeks to end automatic U.S. citizenship for children born in the United States to parents who are not U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents, including those on temporary visas ^[2]. The second order directs the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security to issue rules and guidance to curb birth tourism and target the industry both domestically and abroad ^[1].

These actions come in the wake of a U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 30, 2026, which struck down a previous executive order by Trump that aimed to limit birthright citizenship. The court, in a 6–3 decision, reaffirmed that the 14th Amendment grants citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil ^[4]. Following the Supreme Court ruling, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche announced that federal prosecutors and law enforcement would focus on combating birth tourism through changes in visa and application processes ^[5].

What Is Known

The executive orders signed by President Trump are part of a broader effort to address immigration issues, particularly focusing on birthright citizenship and the practice of birth tourism ^[1][2]. The orders direct federal agencies to develop new rules and guidance to implement these changes ^[1].

What Remains Unclear

It is currently unconfirmed how these executive orders will be implemented and whether they will face legal challenges. The specifics of the new rules and guidance to be issued by the Secretary of State and the Secretary of Homeland Security have not yet been detailed ^[1][2].