In this episode, I talk with Agustina Vergara Cid, an immigration policy expert, to break down the complex issue of birthright citizenship and President Trump's day-one executive order attempting to alter it.

We discuss the history and legal foundation of birthright citizenship, tracing its roots to the 14th Amendment and the 1898 Supreme Court case, Wong Kim Ark, which affirmed that anyone born on U.S. soil (except for children of diplomats) is an American citizen.

Agustina explains how Trump’s executive order aims to deny citizenship to children of non-citizen visa holders and undocumented immigrants—something she believes is a direct constitutional challenge. We explore the motivation behind the order, the likelihood of it surviving court scrutiny, and how immigration laws in Europe and the U.S. differ, particularly in how they impact assimilation.

We also discuss:

Agustina Vergara Cid, LL.B. and LL.M., is a Young Voices contributor focusing on immigration policy. Her commentary has appeared in The Orange County Register, Newsweek, and The Hill. Follow her on X: @agustinavcid

Follow Agustina Vergara Cid on:

Twitter/X: @agustinavcid

Instagram: @agustinavcid

Ending Birthright Citizenship Won’t Make America Great - https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2025/01/29/ending_birthright_citizenship_wont_make_america_great_152263.html

Video - https://youtu.be/A_-qurj0e3k

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