China targeted in birthright citizenship debate, but Supreme Court justices sceptical

China has emerged as a focal point in the debate over birthright citizenship, as the US Supreme Court appeared sceptical of oral arguments on Wednesday in a landmark case driven by President Donald Trump’s push to restrict the practice.

Birthright citizenship “has spawned a sprawling industry of birth tourism,” said Solicitor General D. John Sauer, Trump’s top litigator, in his opening remarks before the highest court in the country.

“Uncounted thousands of foreigners from potentially hostile nations have flocked to give birth in the United States in recent decades, creating a whole generation of American citizens abroad with no meaningful ties to the United States.”

Marking a historic first for a sitting president, Trump was in attendance at the Supreme Court to hear the oral arguments of the case Trump v. Barbara. Driven by motorcade from the White House, the president sat in the first row of the public gallery in a red tie and dark suit.

“We are the only Country in the World STUPID enough to allow ‘birthright’ citizenship!” Trump falsely claimed on social media in his first public comments after the hearing.

Restricting birthright citizenship has been a cornerstone of Trump’s second-term agenda, underscored by his unprecedented decision to attend the Supreme Court session in person. An executive order he signed in early 2025 to end citizenship for children of non-citizens or undocumented parents has been repeatedly blocked in federal courts.