House Speaker Mike Johnson addressed questions regarding birthright citizenship, asserting that while the concept is rooted in American tradition, it has been subject to abuse. His remarks came as the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), which includes players who benefited from birthright citizenship, achieved success in the World Cup.
One of the USMNT's key players, Folarin Balogun, was born in New York City to Nigerian parents who were in the U.S. from London, making him a U.S. citizen by birthright. Johnson acknowledged the historical significance of birthright citizenship, stating, "Like all good things, it can be abused, and birthright citizenship goes back to the root of the country, the history of the tradition." He suggested that the original intent of the Constitution's founders was shaped by circumstances different from those faced today.
Johnson voiced concerns that birthright citizenship has been "abused in recent years" by individuals who he claimed come to the U.S. solely to have children and then utilize American social welfare systems. He referred to the United States as "the most benevolent nation in the history of the world."
His comments touch upon a broader debate surrounding immigration policies, including a past executive order by former President Donald Trump aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and temporary residents. That policy faced legal challenges, and arguments against it were heard by the Supreme Court earlier this spring. Johnson expressed an expectation that the current conservative majority on the court would examine the arguments through an "originalist" and "textualist" lens, considering the nation's "strength and stability."
When pressed on the apparent contradiction of celebrating the USMNT's World Cup achievements while potentially undermining a principle that facilitated the inclusion of some players, Johnson stated, "So I don’t think it’s inconsistent at all. I think we can celebrate immigration — legal immigration. We are a nation of immigrants, as we all recognize."
He shared a personal anecdote about his grandfather immigrating from Sicily and starting a fruit stand, highlighting his own family's immigrant roots and his current position as Speaker of the House. Johnson emphasized that while America embraces legal immigration as "part of our history," immigrants must adhere to the law, "assimilate to our country and not try to transplant Sharia law and all these other cra… things, and change who we are."
The Supreme Court's decision on the birthright citizenship order is anticipated soon, while the USMNT is scheduled for its next game on Thursday.