Trump birthright citizenship policy in spotlight after US soccer star's World Cup goals

Key facts

• US soccer striker Folarin Balogun scored two goals in the team's World Cup opener.
• Balogun was born in the U.S. after his mother traveled from London while pregnant.
• President Trump has sought to end birthright citizenship via an executive order.
• A legal challenge to Trump's executive order is pending before the Supreme Court.
• A decision on the birthright citizenship policy is expected in late June or early July.

U.S. men's soccer striker Folarin Balogun's two goals in the team's World Cup opener on Friday have brought President Trump's push to end birthright citizenship back into public focus. Balogun, born in the U.S. in 2001 to Nigerian parents who were living in London, was able to play for the U.S. national team due to his birth in America.

His mother, Florence Balogun, was seven months pregnant when she traveled to New York in 2001. Airline employees prevented her from flying back to England due to her pregnancy, leading her to stay with her sister-in-law in Brooklyn, where Folarin was born. Nearly 22 years later, Balogun chose to represent the U.S. senior national team, a decision that proved fruitful in his World Cup debut with two goals in a 4-1 victory over Paraguay.

The U.S. victory marked a record for the most goals scored by the team in a single World Cup game. Balogun expressed pride in his decision and his desire to repay the fans' support.

However, the potential impact of Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship, if upheld by the Supreme Court, could affect Balogun's eligibility for future tournaments. The executive order, signed by Trump, challenges the interpretation of the 14th Amendment regarding universal citizenship for those born in the U.S. The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups have sued against the order. Oral arguments were heard in April, with a decision anticipated by the end of June or early July, potentially coinciding with the World Cup. While unlikely to affect the current tournament, a ruling could impact Balogun's participation in the 2030 World Cup.