Trump’s birthright curbs may prompt US passport checks on parents

President Donald Trump has made limiting birthright citizenship a top priority in his immigration crackdown. The US State Department has proposed new requirements for parents seeking passports for their children, part of an effort to enforce Trump's August 6 executive order targeting "birth tourism" and expanding historical exceptions to birthright citizenship.

The draft guidance, reviewed by Reuters, outlines how the State Department could enforce the order, which was first reported on August 7. The White House referred questions to the State Department, with spokesman Tommy Pigott stating that the administration prioritizes protecting American citizenship. The Supreme Court previously ruled that Trump's previous attempt to limit birthright citizenship was unconstitutional.

The new proposal would require parents or legal guardians to provide proof of their citizenship or immigration status when applying for passports for their children. This would include documents such as a valid US passport, birth certificate, or evidence of immigration status like an I-94 form or a legal permanent residency card.

Currently, parents only need to prove their parentage and provide photo identification during the passport application process. Lawyers challenging the order argue that it is unconstitutional and have asked federal judges to prevent it from taking effect.