Uncertainty and distress over the possible restriction of citizenship for migrant babies.

The recent executive order signed by Donald Trump, which seeks to restrict automatic citizenship for babies born in the United States to undocumented migrant mothers or those with temporary legal status, has generated a wave of uncertainty and distress among pregnant women seeking asylum in the country. This action, which would represent a significant change in the interpretation of the 14th Amendment of the Constitution, has led many families to question not only the future of their children but also their own place in American society. Meny, a pregnant Honduran woman who has been residing in California since 2021, expresses her deep concern by saying that her child "hasn't even come into the world yet and they are already violating his rights." As she prepares for the arrival of her baby, she feels caught between hope and fear. Her story reflects the reality that thousands of migrants face daily, a situation where the quest for a safer future is threatened by political decisions that seem to ignore their existence and rights. The executive order aims to modify birthright citizenship, a fundamental right that has been enshrined in the Constitution since 1868. This amendment was instituted in response to racial discrimination, guaranteeing citizenship to all born on U.S. soil. However, the current administration argues that the existing policy of birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and promotes the so-called "birth tourism," a term used derogatorily to describe women who travel to the U.S. to give birth. The data is concerning. According to Pew Research, in 2016, approximately 250,000 babies were born in the U.S. to unauthorized immigrants. This number has been increasing, and projections suggest that if birthright citizenship is restricted, the number of unauthorized immigrants could grow significantly in the coming decades. This context adds additional pressure on families like Meny's, who are already living with the uncertainty of their immigration status. Legal experts agree that Trump's executive order could be unconstitutional. Changing an amendment requires a much more arduous process than a simple presidential signature. This has led to multiple legal challenges, with organizations like the ACLU and a group of states already initiating legal actions. This legal phenomenon could provide temporary relief to affected families, but it does not eliminate the anxiety they feel while waiting for a decision that could change their lives forever. Meny's case is just one of many. Her situation is intertwined with that of other pregnant migrant women who are also facing the same dilemma. Trinidad, a Venezuelan woman expecting her child in August, wonders what life will be like for her baby if U.S. citizenship is not granted. The lack of a clear status could leave her child stateless, a phenomenon that attorney Leidy Pérez describes as an unacceptable state of statelessness in the current context. The testimonies of these women reflect a series of anguishing questions about the future of their children. If citizenship is denied, what rights will they have in their daily lives? The possibility of access to education, healthcare, and other benefits seems to fade under the shadow of a policy that seeks to dismantle already established rights. Uncertainty becomes a heavy burden for those who only seek a safe place to raise their families. On the other hand, the Trump administration has defended its stance by arguing that the country has the right to regulate immigration and that birthright citizenship serves as an incentive for the arrival of undocumented migrants. This narrative, however, ignores the complex reasons why migrant families seek refuge in the U.S., often fleeing situations of violence, poverty, and persecution in their home countries. As the legal battle looms over this issue, families cling to hope. The cases of Meny and other plaintiffs will depend on the outcome of court hearings, whose decisions could have a profound impact. The fight for the rights of these women and their children is, ultimately, a struggle for dignity and humanity in a system that at times seems to forget them. Thus, uncertainty persists, and each day represents a new challenge for these families. The possibility that their children may not have citizenship at birth raises difficult questions about the future and the meaning of belonging to a nation. Meanwhile, the echo of political decisions resonates in the lives of those who only seek a place to call home. The fight for migrant rights continues, and these women are determined to fight for a better future for their children.