If you're born in the United States, with few exceptions, you become a U.S. citizen.

That principle is called birthright citizenship, and it's existed since the end of the Civil War.

160 years later, President Trump wants to change that principle. On his first day back in office,

he signed an executive order that tries to narrow the category of babies who are eligible

for citizenship. The Supreme Court hears Trump v. Barbara, the case regarding birthright

citizenship on Wednesday. On Monday, President Trump weighed in on his social media side,

saying in part, quote,

birthright citizenship is not about rich people from China and the rest of the world who want their children,

and hundreds of thousands more for pay to ridiculously become citizens of the United States of America.

It's about the babies of slaves. We are the only country in the world that dignifies this subject with even a discussion.

At least 33 other countries, mostly in the Americas,

allow birthright citizenship with no stipulations.

We're already hearing from some of you about the case.

Here's Jerry in Alexandria, Virginia.

It is very clear. It is very simple.

It is very straightforward. I can't imagine how there's any way to interpret what is written on the page, as it were, when it comes to the amendment that conveys birthright citizenship.

And a member of our tax club writes,

I believe it's a simple constitutional rule. If you're born here, you are a citizen. If we change it,

how far back would Republicans want us to trace our ancestry before deciding we can be citizens?

What could the outcome of this case mean for U.S. citizenship for new immigrants, for their

children,

and for native-born citizens? I'm Jen White. You're listening to the 1A podcast. Today we ask,

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