Ending birthright citizenship has always been President-elect Donald Trump’s plan — ensnared in controversies as this arises from the Constitution’s 14th Amendment. After he won the election, a claim went viral that his youngest son Barron Trump will also be not considered a US citizen under his policy as Melania Trump became a US citizen three months after Barron’s birth.
The 14th Amendment granted citizenship to all persons “born or naturalized in the United States” including formerly enslaved people and has been interpreted to apply whether or not parents were in the country legally.
But the claim regarding Barron is fake as Barron’s father Donald Trump was a lawful permanent resident when Barron was born and Donald Trump’s executive order planned for the first day of his second term in office requires at least one parent to be an American citizen or lawful permanent resident for their children to become automatic US citizens.
Was Melania not a US citizen before Barron’s birth?
Melania came to the US in 1996 for modelling work. Melania and Donald Trump got married in 2005 and Barron Trump was born in March 2006. Melania became a citizen of the United States in July 2006. So it is true that Melania was not a US citizen when Barron was born.
But Melania Trump was not an illegal resident either. She received an Einstein visa in 2001.
Barron is a US citizen and Trump’s immigration policy won’t impact him
Trump said his order on birthright citizenship would not be retroactive. It will impact only the children born after it takes effect. Also, if one parent is a green card holder, then the child becomes a US citizen.
Barron Trump has remained under the limelight this election campaign because he made his debut in his father’s campaign and also advised him on which podcasts to go to reach the maximum young audience. This was also the first time Barron voted.
