Republican Senator Backs End to Birthright Citizenship, Supports Deporting Families in Cases of Illegal Immigration

(Reuters) – Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin stated on Sunday (date) that children born in the United States to parents residing in the country illegally should be deported alongside their families if the parents are removed. His remarks, made on NBC’s "Meet the Press," come after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared the way for a Trump-era executive order restricting birthright citizenship in some states—a potential landmark shift in the interpretation of the 14th Amendment.

In its Friday ruling, the Supreme Court did not directly rule on the legality of Trump’s order but allowed the policy to move forward by lifting injunctions that had blocked it. The measure aims to end what critics call "gaming the immigration system," where undocumented migrants allegedly have children in the U.S. to secure residency rights.

During the interview, NBC’s Kristen Welker pressed Mullin on the status of babies born on American soil—currently recognized as citizens under existing law—if their parents are deported. The Oklahoma senator was unequivocal:

"They should go with their parents. Why separate a child from their family? The priority should be keeping families together, even if that means repatriating them together," Mullin said, echoing arguments that birthright citizenship should not serve as an "anchor" for legitimizing migrants who violated U.S. laws.

The court’s decision sparked immediate reactions. Supporters, like Mullin, argue the policy is critical to deter illegal immigration and uphold national sovereignty. Opponents warn of bureaucratic complications and potential legal clashes between states.

Practical Impact and Constitutional Debate
If implemented, Trump’s order would create a patchwork system where birthright citizenship applies only in certain states, depending on local enforcement. This could curb so-called "birth tourism," where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to give birth for immigration advantages.

The 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed automatic citizenship since 1868, has faced growing conservative scrutiny, with critics asserting its current interpretation invites abuse. Mullin and other reform advocates contend the policy aligns with practices in most European nations, which do not grant unconditional birthright citizenship.

Key Additions:

• Legal Basis: Trump’s order will face challenges in lower courts, but the Supreme Court’s move signals openness to re-evaluating birthright citizenship.

• Political Context: The policy is a win for the conservative base, which has long pushed for stricter immigration controls.

• Data: An estimated 10% of U.S. births (roughly 300,000 annually) involve undocumented parents (Pew Research Center, 2020).