Is America About to End Birthright Citizenship? What Trump’s Agenda 47 Could Mean for Millions

In recent years, the Dominican Republic shocked the world by reversing birthright citizenship, a move that reverberated through Latin America and raised difficult questions about identity, rights, and national sovereignty. Now, as Donald Trump’s “Agenda 47” proposes similar ideas to end birthright citizenship in the United States, many are beginning to consider the potential consequences for Hispanic and Latino communities. How would this impact families hoping for a stable future? In this article, we’ll examine the Dominican Republic’s experience, what Trump’s proposal might entail, and the potential impact on millions of Americans.

The fact Dominican Republic’s Radical Shift: An End to Birthright Citizenship

Historically, the Dominican Republic operated under a birthright citizenship model, granting citizenship to anyone born within its borders regardless of their parents’ immigration status—similar to the U.S. But in 2013, a major policy shift occurred when the Dominican Republic’s Constitutional Court issued Ruling TC 168-13, which retroactively stripped citizenship from tens of thousands of people, primarily impacting the descendants of Haitian immigrants.

This decision was historic and controversial, declaring that any child born to undocumented immigrants, dating back to 1929, was no longer considered a Dominican citizen. The ruling essentially rendered thousands of people stateless, affecting their ability to work, go to school, access healthcare, and obtain legal documents. Critics of the decision argued that it disproportionately targeted Haitians, creating a deeply marginalized population.

Why the Dominican Republic Changed Course

Dominican officials argued that ending birthright citizenship was necessary to control illegal immigration, protect resources, and better define national identity. They claimed the policy would help maintain the country’s cultural integrity and secure its borders. However, international organizations and human rights groups widely condemned the ruling, calling it a violation of fundamental rights that left people stateless and unprotected.

For some, this policy shift reflects a broader global trend of tightening immigration and citizenship laws. For others, it’s a cautionary tale of the social and ethical costs of such policies.

Agenda 47 and Trump’s Push to End Birthright Citizenship in the U.S.

Under Agenda 47, Trump proposes ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants, claiming this change would prevent people from “taking advantage” of the current system. If implemented, the policy would deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents without legal status, fundamentally altering the way American citizenship has been understood for generations.

Trump has expressed his belief that he can enact this policy through executive order, bypassing the need for congressional approval. However, changing the interpretation of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause would likely face significant legal battles. The 14th Amendment has been interpreted to grant citizenship to all born on U.S. soil, and any changes to this precedent would almost certainly be challenged in the courts.

What Would This Mean for Hispanic and Latino Communities?

If Agenda 47 moves forward, it could significantly impact Hispanic and Latino communities in America. Ending birthright citizenship would change the landscape for millions of families, especially those who arrived seeking stability and opportunity. Like the Dominican Republic’s ruling, which primarily impacted Haitians, Trump’s proposal would disproportionately affect children of Hispanic and Latino heritage who are born to undocumented parents in the U.S.

Without birthright citizenship, these children would grow up in legal limbo, lacking the security and rights of citizenship. They would face restrictions on their ability to work legally, access education, and receive healthcare—services that are vital for any child’s future. The policy could also create a ripple effect, limiting opportunities for generations of families hoping to secure a foothold in the U.S.

The potential shift in policy would not only alter the personal lives of those affected but also the broader social fabric of America, creating a population of people born in the U.S. who may never be recognized as citizens. This would represent a significant departure from the American identity as a “nation of immigrants” and could deepen divisions within Hispanic and Latino communities.

A Cautionary Tale: Lessons from the Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic’s reversal of birthright citizenship led to an uproar from human rights organizations, which cited the disproportionate impact on Haitians and other marginalized groups. Families were torn apart, and children who had known only the Dominican Republic were suddenly left without a country. The decision created a population of stateless individuals, unable to fully participate in society, facing social and economic exclusion.

If Agenda 47 were implemented, the U.S. might face similar challenges. We would see a new class of people—those born and raised in America but legally isolated and denied the rights of citizenship. This could lead to widespread inequality, increased poverty rates, and limited access to basic services within Hispanic and Latino communities.

What’s at Stake for America’s Future?

Agenda 47 could reshape what it means to be American and alter the trajectory of countless families. With the end of birthright citizenship, many in the Hispanic and Latino communities might see their dreams of a secure future for their children begin to fade. It also raises fundamental questions about American values. Are we still a country that welcomes immigrants and offers opportunities for a better life? Or are we moving toward a more restrictive, exclusionary model?

For those in the Hispanic and Latino communities—and indeed, for anyone who believes in the promise of American opportunity—this proposal should prompt serious reflection. It is a moment to consider how much we’re willing to change about our identity and our values as a nation. As we look at the Dominican Republic, we see a reminder of the consequences that may come if America follows a similar path.

Conclusion: A Future in Question

Trump’s Agenda 47 has stirred both support and concern, especially among Hispanic and Latino communities. The potential end of birthright citizenship raises questions about who gets to be American and what rights are tied to the place of one’s birth. As we examine the Dominican Republic’s experience, we see the possible outcomes of such a policy—a divided society, a new class of marginalized people, and a challenge to human rights.

As Americans, we have the opportunity to consider the consequences of such a shift and weigh what it means for our future. Will we follow a path that could create stateless individuals within our borders, or will we continue to honor the principle that all born here have a rightful place in America? The future of birthright citizenship is more than a policy debate; it’s a decision about the very soul of the nation.