The Supreme Court has struck down President Trump’s executive order that aimed to limit birthright citizenship. This decision reaffirms the constitutional guarantee that nearly all children born on U.S. soil are citizens.
Public opinion aligns with the court’s ruling. A Reuters/Ipsos poll conducted last week shows that 55 percent of Americans oppose ending birthright citizenship. This sentiment is particularly strong among Democrats, with 72 percent opposing the end of birthright citizenship. Additionally, more than half of political independents and 38 percent of Republicans also support maintaining this right.
Within the Republican Party, opinions differ. While members of the MAGA movement generally favor ending the practice, a majority of Republicans who do not identify with MAGA oppose such a change. This data comes from a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos poll from April.
Support for birthright citizenship spans various demographic groups. Majorities of white, Black, and Hispanic Americans oppose ending it. The same holds true across different ages and income levels.
American views on birthright citizenship have evolved over time. In the early 1990s, opinions were divided. However, for the past 15 years, there has been consistent support for this constitutional right.
The Times periodically features polling that reflects current public sentiments on key issues. These insights are derived from reputable polls known for accuracy and robust methods.
Ruth Igielnik is a polling editor at The Times. She conducts, analyzes, and reports on polling results.