Mike Johnson: 14th Amendment ‘devalued’ by ‘birthright tourism’
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday said “birthright tourism” has “devalued” the 14th Amendment after President Trump called on Congress to tackle the issue of birthright citizenship following the
Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) on Sunday said “birthright tourism” has “devalued” the 14th Amendment after President Trump called on Congress to tackle
Read Full Story at The Hill →Why This Matters
The debate over birthright citizenship has resurfaced as a flashpoint in the broader Republican strategy to reshape immigration policy ahead of the 2024 election. By framing the 14th Amendment as "devalued" through the lens of "birthright tourism," Speaker Johnson is recalibrating conservative rhetoric to target perceived loopholes in legal immigration pathways, potentially setting the stage for legislative fights that could redefine constitutional interpretations of citizenship.
Background Context
The 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause, ratified in 1868, grants citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," a provision aimed at overturning the Dred Scott decision and ensuring equal rights for formerly enslaved people. While the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld birthright citizenship in cases like *United States v. Wong Kim Ark* (1898), the concept of "birth tourism"—where foreign nationals travel to the U.S. to give birth for their child's citizenship—has gained political traction as a symbol of immigration system failures, despite representing a tiny fraction of births.
What Happens Next
Congressional Republicans are likely to introduce bills challenging birthright citizenship, forcing Democrats into a politically fraught debate ahead of the election. Legal experts warn such challenges could face immediate constitutional challenges, while immigration advocates may mobilize to frame the issue as an attack on civil rights. Meanwhile, the White House’s response will determine whether this becomes a sustained legislative push or a rhetorical tool to energize conservative bases.
Bigger Picture
This debate reflects a longer-term GOP strategy to weaponize constitutional interpretations as part of a broader immigration crackdown, following similar efforts to restrict asylum and visa programs. The renewed focus on birthright citizenship also aligns with a pattern of using selective legal arguments to justify sweeping policy changes, a tactic that could escalate if Republicans gain full control of government in 2025.
