Overview
- President Trump signed two executive orders on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, that seek to narrow who automatically gets U.S. citizenship at birth and to curb so‑called birth tourism.
- One order expands categories of noncitizens whose U.S.-born children could be treated as ineligible, naming certain diplomatic staff, people labeled as ‘enemies’ or members of foreign terrorist organizations, and agents acting for foreign governments.
- The second order focuses on birth tourism by ordering tougher visa screening for pregnant visitors, authorizing immigration officials to deny entry when fraud is suspected, and directing agencies to consider revoking citizenship obtained through fraud.
- The actions come after the Supreme Court struck down an earlier Trump order in late June and the administration now argues narrow historical exceptions allow these new limits, a legal claim that civil‑rights groups and scholars say will prompt rapid lawsuits.
- Politically, the moves sharpen the administration’s immigration message ahead of fall elections, create immediate uncertainty for families and consular practice, and would still require Congress to change the law to alter citizenship for territories such as Puerto Rico.