Skip to Content
Politics

Sen. Schmitt wants constitutional amendment after SCOTUS ruling on birthright citizenship

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt
KMIZ
U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt
By
today at 2:18 PM
Published 1:49 PM

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

U.S. Sen. Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) said Tuesday that he is filing legislation to amend the U.S. Constitution to "rein in" birthright citizenship.

The decision comes after the Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump's initiative to end birthright citizenship on Tuesday.

"Under the Supreme Court’s erroneous interpretation, American citizenship is extended to anyone who happens to be on U.S. soil when they’re born -- even if they were here in violation of our laws," Schmitt said in a news release. "This is a dramatic departure from the understanding of citizenship of our Founders and the framers of the Fourteenth Amendment."

Schmitt later posted a draft of the proposed amendment on X.

"Justice Kavanaugh MAY have left Congress a door. I’m filing legislation to walk through it," Schmitt said on X.

The Citizenship Clause in the 14th Amendment states: "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside."

Schmitt's amendment would make it so that a person born in the U.S. would only be a citizen if at least one parent has lawful residence.

"A person born in the United States and not subject to any foreign power: Provided, That a person born in the United States shall be deemed subject to a foreign power if neither parent of such person is a United States citizen or has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence at the time of such person's birth," according to Schmitt's draft documents.

In a Truth Social post, Trump pushed for legislative moves to be made to end birthright citizenship after Tuesday's Supreme Court ruling.

"Congress should start TODAY to work on ending expensive and unfair to our Country, Birthright Citizenship. They will have my Complete and Total Support!" Trump said.

Democrat U.S. Rep. Wesley Bell (D-Mo.) praised the ruling and said the decision was best for the American people.

"This is a WIN for our immigrant communities and for people just chasing the American Dream. Let’s keep working to protect the rights of ALL Americans." Bell said in a post on X.

U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) also supported the decision.

"I’m pleased the Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship and rejected efforts to chip away at one of our Constitution’s most fundamental guarantees. Our laws, and our democracy, are strongest when we honor the Constitution, not attempt to rewrite it." Cleaver said in a post on X.

U.S. Rep. Mark Alford (R-Mo.) also voiced a need for Congress to act, adding that the ruling fails the U.S.

"True sovereignty means a nation has the absolute right to determine who belongs to its political community. When we allow citizenship to be granted based purely on geographic location—regardless of the parents' legal status or allegiance—we lose control over our own borders and our national identity." Alford said in a post on X.

This is an ongoing story.

Article Topic Follows: Politics

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Marie Moyer

Marie Moyer joined ABC 17 News in June 2024 as a multimedia journalist.

She graduated from Pennsylvania State University in May 2024 with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and a minor in sociology.

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

ABC 17 News is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.