Trump Signs Orders Against Birth Tourism

What exactly did Trump sign on August 6?

President Donald Trump signed two executive orders aimed at restricting birthright citizenship for children of foreign nationals born on U.S. soil. The orders are narrower than a sweeping decree the Supreme Court struck down in June 2025, and target only specific categories of births.

Which four categories are affected?

• Birth tourism: Children born to women who travel to the United States solely to give birth. The order also seeks to restrict the use of surrogacy for the same purpose.
• Diplomatic missions: Children of foreign diplomatic mission staff. Current restrictions applied to ambassadors' families would be extended to other diplomatic personnel.
• Children of designated foreign enemies: Individuals classified by the U.S. government as belonging to terrorist organizations.
• U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico: This change would only take effect if Congress amends current legislation — a bill was introduced last month but passage is not expected.

Why is Trump doing this now?

In June, the Supreme Court struck down a broader birthright citizenship order Trump had signed on his inauguration day. Trump called that ruling "very unfortunate" and argued the Court still left room to restrict citizenship in specific, legally recognized situations. "People are building businesses around birthright citizenship. They are buying their way in, and we will not allow that," Trump stated.

Could this affect Brazilians and other Latin Americans?

Brazil has been one of the most active sources of birth tourism to the United States, with agencies openly selling packages for pregnant women to travel and give birth in American hospitals. Under the new decree, children born under such arrangements would no longer automatically receive U.S. citizenship. Families already holding citizenship through prior births are not affected by the current orders.