In a shift that could reshape US immigration policy, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order ending the long-standing practice of birthright citizenship.

What is birthright citizenship?

The shift was part of broader reforms aimed at tightening immigration controls, preventing illegal immigrants and ensuring that citizenship was tied to a genuine connection to the country.

Australia’s policy since 1986

Children of temporary residents may still qualify for citizenship, but only after living in Australia for the first 10 years of their lives.

Why might Trump adopt Australia’s model?

Australia’s framework could also provide a tested blueprint for curbing ‘birth tourism’ — a practice which is described by the US Department of Homeland Security as a “troubling and unintentional phenomenon” and a “practice by which expecting parents travel to the United States to give birth and secure US citizenship for their children”.

Legal challenges Trump may face

“It’s not at all clear that the US President has the authority to end birthright citizenship by executive order. There is some debate about the interpretation and application of these words, but a number of US legal experts have expressed doubt about the validity of the executive order.”

“The bigger question is whether it’s possible for Trump to end birthright citizenship by executive order at all.”