Attorney General Alan Wilson has announced South Carolina’s participation in a coalition of 17 states supporting President Trump’s executive order aimed at redefining birthright citizenship. The order seeks to amend the interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which currently grants citizenship to nearly all children born on U.S. soil.
In 2023, it was estimated that between 225,000 and 250,000 births in the United States were to individuals without legal status. The executive order comes amid increasing illegal border crossings under the Biden-Harris administration, involving various groups including convicted criminals and suspected terrorists.
Attorney General Wilson stated, “The 14th Amendment was enacted to ensure that emancipated slaves were citizens. It was never meant to be a loophole so illegal aliens could have an anchor baby to allow the whole family to stay.”
The financial burden on taxpayers for these births is highlighted through costs associated with Medicaid and other health services. Reports suggest that some pregnant women attempt border crossings shortly before giving birth.
The executive order aims to limit birthright citizenship exclusively to children born in the U.S. whose parents are American citizens or lawful permanent residents. The coalition argues that this aligns with the original intent of the 14th Amendment.
South Carolina has joined forces with states such as Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, and others in briefs led by Iowa asserting the constitutionality of Trump’s directive.
