In 2024, nearly 400,000 children were born in the United States to foreign nationals, a number that surpasses the population of New Orleans, Louisiana. These so-called “anchor babies” are the children of illegal aliens, tourists, and foreign visa workers. According to the Center for Immigration Studies, these births highlight the enduring impact of America’s birthright citizenship policy.
Of the estimated 400,000 anchor babies born in 2024, roughly 300,000 were delivered to parents residing in the U.S. illegally. The remaining 72,000 were born to foreign tourists, visa workers, and students temporarily in the country. This phenomenon, where children automatically gain U.S. citizenship despite their parents having little or no legal connection to the country, continues to stir political and social debates.
Birthright citizenship, as currently practiced, allows these U.S.-born children to later sponsor their parents and other family members for green cards when they reach adulthood. Critics argue that this “anchor effect” facilitates chain migration and embeds families in the U.S. without any initial legal right to stay.
President-elect Donald Trump has reignited the debate over birthright citizenship, vowing to end it via executive order during his second term. “On day one of my new term in office, I will sign an executive order making clear to federal agencies that under the correct interpretation of the law going forward, the future children of illegal aliens will not receive automatic U.S. citizenship,” Trump declared in 2023.
The legal basis for birthright citizenship lies in the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to all individuals born in the U.S. Legal scholars and conservative commentators have long debated whether this clause applies to children of noncitizens, particularly those born to individuals in the country illegally.
The U.S. Supreme Court has never definitively ruled on the application of birthright citizenship to children of illegal aliens, leaving room for interpretation. Many legal experts argue that such children are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States as originally intended by the framers of the 14th Amendment.
The U.S. and Canada are among the few developed nations that grant automatic citizenship to all children born within their borders, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. In contrast, most European countries, as well as Australia, New Zealand, and others, require at least one parent to be a citizen or legal resident for a child to obtain citizenship.
For example:
- In France, a child gains citizenship only if at least one parent is a French citizen or a legal resident.
- Ireland reserves citizenship for children born to Irish citizens or residents who meet specific conditions.
- Australia limits birthright citizenship to children born to at least one citizen parent or a permanent resident.
This global disparity has fueled calls to reform America’s policy, with opponents arguing that the U.S. policy incentivizes illegal immigration and birth tourism.
Recent polling indicates that Americans are divided on the issue, though a significant portion supports reform. According to a 2024 survey:
- 48% of white respondents favor ending birthright citizenship.
- 42% of Hispanic respondents also back Trump’s plan to eliminate the practice.
Supporters of birthright citizenship argue that it upholds American values and aligns with the historical interpretation of the 14th Amendment. Critics, however, see it as an outdated policy that exacerbates illegal immigration and places undue strain on public resources.
The implications of birthright citizenship extend beyond immigration. Anchor babies, who automatically receive U.S. citizenship, gain access to benefits like education, healthcare, and social programs. Critics argue that this burdens taxpayers and perpetuates illegal immigration cycles.
Proponents counter that these children often contribute significantly to American society, growing up to become taxpayers, workers, and community members. They also highlight the potential for constitutional challenges to Trump’s proposed executive order, which could spark a landmark Supreme Court case.
The nearly 400,000 anchor babies born in 2024 underscore the ongoing tension surrounding America’s immigration system and birthright citizenship. As Trump prepares to take office and pursue sweeping reforms, the debate over whether this policy remains relevant in modern America is poised to intensify.
Whether or not birthright citizenship undergoes significant changes, the issue will undoubtedly shape the nation’s immigration discourse for years to come.
