Key facts
- Donald Trump will request the Supreme Court rehear its decision on birthright citizenship.
- The Supreme Court previously ruled that the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to those born in the U.S.
- Trump cited advertisements from a Texas hospital offering maternity services to expectant mothers near the border as new evidence.
- The hospital stated its marketing materials were no longer in use due to misunderstanding.
- The governor of Texas has ordered an investigation into the hospital for allegedly promoting 'birth tourism'.
President Donald Trump announced he will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider its ruling that the 14th Amendment guarantees birthright citizenship. Trump cited advertisements from a Texas hospital near the border offering delivery packages to expectant mothers in Mexico as new evidence. He described the Supreme Court's previous decision, which upheld birthright citizenship, as 'absolutely insane' and a potential destroyer of America.
The Supreme Court had previously rejected Trump's attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, affirming that individuals born in the U.S. are citizens under the 14th Amendment. The court's ruling was based on the clause stating citizenship is conferred to those born in the United States who are 'subject to the jurisdiction thereof.' Requests for the Supreme Court to rehear decided cases are exceptionally rare, with the last instance occurring decades ago.
The hospital in question, Mission Regional Medical Center, stated that the billboards and associated website were no longer in use due to an 'unintended misunderstanding' and that they do not support unlawful activity. The governor of Texas, Greg Abbott, has ordered an investigation into the hospital, accusing it of promoting 'birth tourism.' The hospital also deleted a social media post promoting its maternity services to women 'living abroad.'