What did Trump sign and why does it matter for Brazilians?

On August 6, 2026, President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship for children of foreign nationals. One decree targets so-called "birth tourism" — the practice of traveling to the United States specifically so a child can be born on American soil and automatically receive U.S. citizenship.

This is not Trump's first attempt at limiting birthright citizenship. In June, the Supreme Court struck down a broader order he had signed on Inauguration Day that sought to end automatic citizenship for children of immigrants born in the U.S.

Which Brazilian celebrities practiced birth tourism?

In recent years, a number of high-profile Brazilian celebrities traveled to the United States during their pregnancies to give birth there. Here is a look at some of the most talked-about cases.

  • Ludmilla — Her daughter Zuri was born in Miami, where the singer and her partner Brunna Gonçalves own an apartment. Ludmilla described the day as overwhelming and emotional, promising fans a full birth story later.
  • Claudia Leitte — Her third daughter, Bela, was born in Miami in 2019. The singer, who has split her time between Brazil and the U.S. since 2015, told Marie Claire magazine the decision was driven by her work schedule abroad.
  • Karina Bacchi — The actress chose Miami for the birth of her first child in 2017, openly stating her goal was for the child to hold American, Brazilian, and Italian citizenship. "I love Brazil, but I also want my son to have multiple citizenships to expand his opportunities," she said.
  • Simone Mendes — In 2021, the country singer had her second child in the United States while overseeing renovations on a property in Orlando and handling related bureaucratic matters.
  • Thammy Miranda — The TV personality also traveled to the U.S. to give birth.

What could the new decrees mean going forward?

If the latest executive orders survive legal challenges, they could make it significantly harder — or impossible — for foreign nationals, including Brazilians, to secure U.S. citizenship for children born during temporary visits. Families who had planned or budgeted for birth tourism may need to reconsider their options.

Key Facts:
  • Trump signed two new executive orders on August 6, 2026 targeting birth tourism.
  • An earlier, broader birthright citizenship order was struck down by the Supreme Court in June.
  • Ludmilla's daughter Zuri was born in Miami.
  • Claudia Leitte's daughter Bela was born in Miami in 2019.
  • Karina Bacchi cited multiple citizenship opportunities as her reason for giving birth in the U.S. in 2017.
  • Simone Mendes gave birth in the U.S. in 2021 while managing a property in Orlando.