CITIZENSHIP AT RISK

The fight over birthright citizenship has already begun

- BRIAN BENNETT

One of the most controversial executive actions Donald Trump signed on his first day as President took direct aim at the Constitution: challenging the idea that people born inside the U.S. are guaranteed citizenship.

Trump told federal departments to deny what's known as birthright citizenship to children born to mothers and fathers in the country unlawfully. His order would also deny citizenship to children born to parents in the U.S on work or study visas, tourism visas, or when neither parent is a U.S citizen or permanent resident. If it stands, the changes would go into effect on Feb. 19. Within hours, Trump's action was challenged in court as unconstitutional.