Donald Trump ‘to end birthright citizenship before leaving office’

President Trump is reportedly considering ending birthright citizenship before he leaves the White House.

The Hill is reporting several members of the Trump Administration are discussing pushing through an executive order on the citizenship before Joe Biden is sworn in on January 20.

Currently, any babies born in the United States are automatically granted citizenship - regardless of whether their parents are American citizens.

Critics say this means illegal immigrants and tourist visitors to the country can give birth and their child will have citizenship.

It is thought an executive order signed by President Trump would end this.

According to The Hill: “The Department of Justice has been consulted about a possible birthright citizenship order given that it would have deal with the legal implications of any new policy.”

Some experts say any executive order Trump signs on the issue would not hold up under the law because citizenship is protected under the 14th Amendment.

The amendment reads: “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.”

A legal challenge to any executive order signed by the president would almost certainly be lodged if he did attempt to make changes.

The Trump Administration declined to comment specifically on the issue when approached by The Hill.

White House Deputy Press Secretary Judd Deere issued a statement saying: “Since taking office, President Trump has never shied away from using his lawful executive authority to advance bold policies and fulfill the promises he made to the American people.”

The President has previously discussed ending birthright citizenship, claiming that he can enforce it without an amendment.

“It was always told to me that you needed a constitutional amendment. Guess what? You don't,” Trump told Axios back in 2018. “It's in the process. It'll happen, with an executive order."

Birthright citizenship is only offered in 40 countries around the world, with Canada the only other western country where it is a concept.

Trump is also said to be considering signing off other measures to do with visa reform and China before he leaves office next year.