Birthright Citizenship in Limbo: What Malta Needs to Know

Imagine you’re strolling along the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, the sun warming your face, when you overhear a group of tourists discussing their family history. One of them mentions they’re American, but their grandparents were born in Malta. “That makes me Maltese too, right?” they ask. The answer to that question might soon change, thanks to a looming decision by the US Supreme Court.

What’s Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship is a principle in international law that grants citizenship to anyone born within a country’s territory. It’s been a fundamental part of the US Constitution since 1868, with the 14th Amendment stating, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” This means that if you’re born in the US, you’re automatically an American citizen, regardless of your parents’ immigration status.

Why is the US Supreme Court Considering Ending It?

The Trump administration has been pushing to end birthright citizenship, arguing that the 14th Amendment doesn’t apply to the children of undocumented immigrants. They’ve asked the Supreme Court to review a case, DHS v. Regents of the University of California, which could potentially pave the way for ending this long-standing practice.

President Trump has been vocal about his desire to change the law, stating in 2018, “We’re the only country in the world where a person comes in and has a baby, and the baby is essentially a citizen of the United States… with all of those benefits.” He’s proposed an executive order to end birthright citizenship, but it’s unclear if he has the legal authority to do so without Congress.

What Does This Mean for Malta?

Malta has a long history of emigration to the US. According to the US Census Bureau, over 20,000 Americans claim Maltese ancestry. If the Supreme Court rules to end birthright citizenship, it could potentially affect Maltese Americans and their families. Here are a few things to consider:

• Dual Citizenship: Malta allows for dual citizenship, meaning Maltese Americans could retain their Maltese citizenship even if they lose their US citizenship. However, this doesn’t change the fact that they or their children might no longer be US citizens at birth.
• Family Reunification: Ending birthright citizenship could make it harder for Maltese Americans to sponsor family members for US citizenship or green cards.
• Maltese Community in the US: The decision could have an impact on the Maltese community in the US, potentially changing the dynamics of Maltese-American families and communities.

It’s important to note that even if the Supreme Court agrees to hear the case, it might not reach a decision for months, or even years. The process is complex and involves many legal and political considerations.

As Malta continues to watch and wait, one thing is clear: the potential end of birthright citizenship could have far-reaching implications, not just for the US, but for countries like Malta with strong ties to the US.

“The question of birthright citizenship is a complex one, touching on issues of immigration, national identity, and the rule of law. As Maltese, we should pay close attention to how this plays out, as it could have implications for our own community in the US.” – Dr. Joseph Aquilina, Maltese historian and author

Stay tuned to Hot Malta for more updates on this developing story.