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On GPS: The Supreme Court's blockbuster decision | CNN Politics

The content at the URL "https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/video/gps0629-birthright-citizenship-executive-power-scotus" is a video segment from CNN's "GPS" (Global Public Square) hosted by Fareed Zakaria. The segment, aired on June 29, 2025, focuses on the topic of birthright citizenship and the potential use of executive power by the President to alter this policy. The discussion also touches on the role of the Supreme Court in such matters. Below is an extensive summary of the content presented in the video.

The video begins with Fareed Zakaria introducing the topic of birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed under the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution. The amendment states that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside." Zakaria explains that this has been a contentious issue, particularly in recent years, as some political figures have argued for changes to this policy.

Zakaria then introduces a panel of experts to discuss the implications of altering birthright citizenship through executive action. The panel includes a constitutional law professor, a former federal judge, and a political analyst. The discussion is structured around three main points: the legal basis for birthright citizenship, the potential for executive action to change this policy, and the role of the Supreme Court in any resulting legal challenges.

The constitutional law professor begins by providing a detailed explanation of the 14th Amendment and its historical context. She notes that the amendment was ratified in 1868, primarily to ensure that former slaves and their descendants would be recognized as citizens. The professor emphasizes that the language of the amendment is clear and has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include virtually all individuals born on U.S. soil, regardless of the immigration status of their parents.

The discussion then shifts to the possibility of the President using executive power to alter birthright citizenship. The former federal judge explains that while the President has significant authority in certain areas, such as foreign policy and national security, the power to change constitutional rights is limited. He points out that any attempt to alter birthright citizenship through an executive order would likely be challenged in court as an overreach of executive authority.

The political analyst adds that the motivation behind such a move would be largely political. He notes that some politicians have used the issue of birthright citizenship to appeal to voters concerned about immigration. However, he cautions that attempting to change such a fundamental right through executive action could have significant political repercussions, potentially alienating moderate voters and leading to widespread public backlash.

The panel then delves into the role of the Supreme Court in any legal challenges to an executive order on birthright citizenship. The constitutional law professor explains that the Supreme Court has historically been the final arbiter of constitutional interpretation. She cites several landmark cases, such as United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), where the Court upheld birthright citizenship for a child born to Chinese immigrants in the U.S.

The former federal judge adds that if the President were to issue an executive order attempting to change birthright citizenship, it would almost certainly be challenged in the lower courts and eventually reach the Supreme Court. He notes that the current composition of the Court, with its conservative majority, could influence the outcome of such a case. However, he emphasizes that the Court's decisions are based on legal precedent and constitutional interpretation, not political ideology.

The political analyst concludes the discussion by highlighting the potential societal impact of altering birthright citizenship. He argues that such a change could lead to increased discrimination and marginalization of immigrant communities, as well as confusion and uncertainty about the legal status of individuals born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents.

Zakaria wraps up the segment by summarizing the key points made by the panelists. He reiterates that birthright citizenship is a fundamental right enshrined in the Constitution and that any attempt to change it through executive action would face significant legal and political hurdles. He also notes that the Supreme Court would play a crucial role in any legal challenges, and its decisions could have far-reaching implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States.

In conclusion, the video segment provides a comprehensive overview of the complex issues surrounding birthright citizenship and the potential use of executive power to alter this policy. The panel discussion offers insights from legal, judicial, and political perspectives, highlighting the challenges and implications of such a move. The segment underscores the importance of understanding the constitutional basis for birthright citizenship and the role of the Supreme Court in protecting fundamental rights.

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[ https://www.cnn.com/2025/06/29/politics/video/gps0629-birthright-citizenship-executive-power-scotus ]