Former President Donald Trump has reignited concerns within immigrant communities by announcing campaign pledges to abolish birthright citizenship and deport all undocumented immigrants. Birthright citizenship, enshrined in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, grants citizenship to anyone born in the United States. However, if these policies are implemented, they could have far-reaching and severe implications for countless immigrant families. Preparing for these changes by understanding the policies and taking preemptive measures is crucial.
History and Legal Background of Birthright Citizenship
The concept of birthright citizenship was established with the adoption of the 14th Amendment in 1868:
- 14th Amendment: It states that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens.”
- 1898 Wong Kim Ark Case: The Supreme Court ruled that individuals born in the U.S. are citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
Trump has indicated plans to abolish this system through an executive order. However, this would likely conflict with the Constitution, making it impossible without a constitutional amendment. Such a move would undoubtedly lead to significant legal challenges and widespread debate.
Campaign Pledge to Deport All Undocumented Immigrants
During his campaign, Trump pledged to deport all undocumented immigrants during his term. He announced plans to launch a large-scale deportation operation on the first day of his presidency, targeting approximately 11 million undocumented immigrants.
This policy suggests the reduction of legal protections for undocumented immigrants and the streamlining of removal procedures to accelerate deportations. Consequently, interest in citizenship applications and family-based immigration petitions has surged among immigrant communities, with many seeking to explore their legal options promptly.
Measures Immigrant Families Can Take
To prepare for the potential implementation of Trump’s stringent immigration policies, immigrant families may consider the following measures:
- Maintaining and Managing Current Immigration Status
- Swiftly pursue visa extensions, permanent residency applications, or DACA renewals.
- Explore options for unlawful presence waivers (I-601/I-601A) and determine eligibility.
- Expediting Citizenship Applications
- Green card holders should consider applying for citizenship promptly to safeguard their status.
- Utilizing Family-Based Immigration
- Applying for permanent residency through U.S. citizen spouses or parents is one of the most secure legal options for obtaining lawful status.
- Consulting an Immigration Attorney
- Work with an attorney to evaluate your situation and identify the best solutions tailored to your needs.
The Numbers Behind the Policy
- 11 million: Current number of undocumented immigrants in the U.S. (Pew Research Center, 2023).
- 600,000: Youth protected under the DACA program (USCIS, 2023).
- 300,000: Babies granted citizenship annually under birthright citizenship (Center for Immigration Studies, 2023 estimate).
These figures underscore the extensive impact Trump’s proposed policies could have on families and individuals nationwide.
Prepare for a Secure Future with Song Law Firm
While immigration policy changes may create uncertainty, they can be navigated effectively with accurate legal advice and thorough preparation. Song Law Firm leverages years of immigration law expertise to provide tailored solutions, including:
- Addressing birthright citizenship and undocumented status issues.
- Assisting with family-based immigration and permanent residency applications.
- Renewing DACA and filing for citizenship.
If you wish to safeguard your future amidst these uncertain times, schedule a consultation today.
Disclaimer: This column is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance on immigration issues, please contact Song Law Firm at 201-461-0031 or via email at mail@songlawfirm.com.
