Since 1868, the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause has been a cornerstone of American life, guaranteeing citizenship to those born in the U.S. Its roots lie in Reconstruction efforts to rectify the injustices of slavery. The amendment aimed to dismantle a system that denied basic human and legal rights.
Birthright citizenship, for over 150 years, has been a fundamental principle of our constitutional framework, transcending political divides.
However, in 2025, a presidential executive order declared this guarantee inapplicable to children of undocumented or temporarily legal residents. This isn’t just a legal action; it fundamentally alters our national identity. (On January 23, Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order, halting enforcement for 14 days pending further legal review.)
Trump’s executive order deeply concerned me, prompting reflection on my family’s history and how it might have been different without birthright citizenship.
Seventy years ago, my grandfather, Carlos Martinez, emigrated from Colombia to study in Louisiana. His wife, Nubia, gave birth to their daughters, Luisa and my mother, Liliana, in the U.S., granting them citizenship. They later returned to Colombia, where my mother raised my brother and me.
In my early childhood, my mother, facing marital difficulties, immigrated to the U.S. We faced hardship, including homelessness, relying on assistance. Yet, her resilience led to homeownership and entrepreneurship. Her citizenship, secured through the 14th Amendment, enabled her to provide for us, allowing me to pursue higher education.
I attended college, earning a graduate degree. My life’s work involves advocating for marginalized communities through film, writing, and activism. I’ve championed immigrant rights, reproductive healthcare access, and LGBTQ+ equality.
Yet, President Trump’s order jeopardizes the futures of countless children, hindering their potential contributions to society.
According to FWD.us, at least 5.1 million U.S. citizen children under 18 have an undocumented parent. While not retroactive, the order’s impact on children born after February 19th (if upheld) is immense. These are children whose futures are threatened by legal insecurity, solely due to their parents’ immigration status. This affects families fleeing violence, students, and those seeking better lives. The order disregards the Constitution and their aspirations.
The long-term consequences are devastating. These children face statelessness and marginalization, unable to fully participate in society. Forced into the shadows, their potential is stifled, not by their actions but by a cruel policy that denies their inherent dignity.
Birthright citizenship isn’t merely a policy; it’s a matter of humanity, determining who belongs. This executive order not only harms these children but also undermines our collective future. The potential we stand to lose is immense.
