Jurisprudence
July 16, 202610:00 AM
Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/AFP via Getty Images.
Last month, the Department of Justice reportedly directed federal prosecutors to prioritize investigations into so-called birth tourism. Coming only hours after the Supreme Court’s ruling on birthright citizenship, the move sent a clear message: This administration is not taking “no” for an answer.
As a longtime immigration attorney—formerly with the Department of Homeland Security—and the child of immigrant parents, I see frightening historical parallels in this moment. With birthright citizenship, Republicans and anti-immigration activists are once again playing the long game, shifting public perception and laws in the process. Just as they did with their 50-year crusade to overturn Roe v. Wade and restrict abortion, this administration will continue to narrow, challenge, and politically reframe the rights of immigrants and their American-born children. Trump v. Barbara was just the beginning.
