The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) faced criticism after posting on social media linking the World Cup to immigration issues. The controversial post featured an altered photo of the U.S. men’s national soccer team with the U.S.-Mexico border wall and the caption ‘Built the wall.’ It followed the team’s 2-0 win over Australia and was deleted without explanation.
The department’s actions raised eyebrows, especially after another post highlighting American soccer players’ contributions. The post, captioned ‘Defend the Homeland; One Nation. One Homeland. One Team,’ featured players Chris Richards, Sergiño Dest, and Folarin Balogun, who have immigrant backgrounds.
“Did you know our starting forward is a US citizen through birthright citizenship? You’re trying to strip away that right,” wrote Representative Ted Lieu, referring to Folarin Balogun.
Balogun, born in Brooklyn to immigrant parents, gained U.S. citizenship because his mother couldn’t leave the country due to her pregnancy. His eligibility stems from the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship clause. This provision faces challenges, highlighted by a Supreme Court case involving President Trump’s executive order to end such citizenship.
Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno’s proposed legislation, the Exclusive Citizenship Act of 2025, sought to force dual citizens to choose between their American and foreign citizenships. Legal experts consider the bill unconstitutional, as the Supreme Court has upheld citizenship rights.
The U.S. team, managed by Mauricio Pochettino, leads Group D before the final group match against Turkey on June 25 at SoFi Stadium. With victories over Paraguay and Australia, they hope to advance beyond the group stage. The top teams proceed to the round of 32 starting June 28, with potential matches at Levi’s Stadium on July 1.