The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments on Wednesday regarding birthright citizenship and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The case centers on a 2025 executive order issued by former President Trump aiming to restrict automatic U.S. citizenship for children born to undocumented migrants.

The Core of the Argument

The 14th Amendment has historically been understood to grant citizenship to all individuals born within the United States. However, the Trump administration argues the amendment was originally intended to apply more narrowly, specifically to grant citizenship to formerly enslaved people and their children.

Potential Consequences of a Ruling

Appellate attorney Jeff Lewis explained the potential impact of a Supreme Court decision in favor of the administration. “Should the Supreme Court rule in favor of the Trump administration, anyone born in the United States after February of 2025 that cannot establish their parents were lawfully here will have their citizenship revoked,” Lewis stated.

Lewis expressed concern about the broader implications of such a ruling. “People who have been born in the United States, where their parents have questionable documentation, should have great cause to worry. It is hard for me to imagine the Trump administration showing grace and patience and not extending it backwards if they get the wiggle room to do that,” he added.

Impact on San Diego's DACA Community

The legal proceedings are causing significant worry within the local Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient community in San Diego. Diego Miranda, a DACA recipient, shared his anxieties about the future.

“If at any point I wanted to have children, I would hope that my children would have the same opportunity as their neighbor born across the street,” Miranda said. He described a pervasive sense of uncertainty and feeling “constantly under attack” within the immigrant community.

Miranda emphasized the disparity in treatment. “It’s definitely scary to be one of the people with a target on their back. You know I was raised like any other American except on paper and yet we’re not treated the same,” he explained.

Looking Ahead

Currently, the Supreme Court justices are deliberating and are not expected to issue a ruling immediately. A decision is anticipated later this year, and the outcome could fundamentally alter a long-standing principle of U.S. citizenship.

This story was originally reported on-air and adapted for online publication with the assistance of AI. ABC 10News’ editorial team has verified all reporting for accuracy and fairness.