Data from the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS) indicates that nearly 400,000 children were born in the United States to noncitizen parents in 2024, intensifying debates over the controversial practice of birthright citizenship. The numbers include an estimated 300,000 births to illegal immigrants and 72,000 to foreign nationals on temporary visas, such as tourists and workers.
These children, commonly known as “anchor babies,” are automatically granted U.S. citizenship under current interpretations of the 14th Amendment. Critics argue that this creates a loophole, allowing families to exploit immigration laws and remain in the country legally through chain migration. Once these children reach adulthood, they can sponsor their parents and relatives for residency, effectively anchoring entire families within the United States.
Report: 400,000 Anchor Babies Born in the U.S. in 2024 https://t.co/eNFx8vZRX6
— Jim Brown (@Esther4_12) January 4, 2025
President Donald Trump has pledged to eliminate this practice in his second term. During his campaign, Trump announced plans to issue an executive order clarifying that the children of individuals without legal residency would no longer receive automatic citizenship. “On day one of my new term, I will take action to stop this exploitation of our system,” Trump declared, framing the policy as a misuse of the 14th Amendment.
If you want another legal immigration scam, here you go. 400k "anchor babies" were born to non-US citizens in 2024 alone. When an anchor baby reaches adulthood, they are allowed to sponsor their parents and foreign relatives for green cards, anchoring yet more non-US citizens. pic.twitter.com/0BBF7YjJFf
— RAW EGG NATIONALIST (@Babygravy9) January 4, 2025
This is the history and purpose of birthright citizenship and why President-elect Trump is correct that it does not apply to the children of illegal aliens. pic.twitter.com/WGGwKXc445
— Heritage Foundation (@Heritage) January 3, 2025
The Citizenship Clause, which forms the legal basis for birthright citizenship, has never been definitively interpreted by the Supreme Court regarding children of illegal immigrants. Many legal experts contend that the clause was not intended to extend citizenship to those born to individuals who are not fully under U.S. jurisdiction.
If the mom and dad are not American citizens, anchor babies belong to the country in which the parents belong to
— Rosie Ferguson (@RosieFergu87542) January 4, 2025
Illegal aliens taking over America ONE baby at a time.
Analysis: Nearly 400K Anchor Babies Born in 2024 https://t.co/qkBCW5hPd6 via @BreitbartNews— BigTex2024 (@DennisWayne4591) January 4, 2025
2024: 1,100 anchor babies born every day in US ~ https://t.co/EYSDZ4UrmW
— MikeKirby (@mikekirbyone) January 4, 2025
Unlike the United States and Canada, most developed nations have moved away from birthright citizenship. Countries like Ireland, France, and New Zealand require at least one parent to hold citizenship for a child to automatically qualify. This global standard has fueled demands for the United States to reconsider its policies and align with international norms.
No more “anchor babies.” NONE. https://t.co/fp26Fouhmf
— Hawkaboo (@Hawkabooboo) January 4, 2025
Recent polling shows that a plurality of Americans support ending birthright citizenship, with significant backing from various demographic groups. With nearly 400,000 births to noncitizen parents recorded in 2024, the issue remains central to discussions of immigration reform and national security.
