The first day of Donald Trump’s new administration brought seismic shifts to U.S. passport and citizenship policies through executive actions that bypass Congress entirely. Among the most impactful changes: an end to birthright citizenship for children of undocumented immigrants and the elimination of non-binary gender options on passports.
Starting just 30 days after signing, babies born to parents without permanent legal status won’t receive automatic citizenship or U.S. passports. This breaks with over a century of constitutional interpretation and could create a stateless generation born on American soil. Legal challenges are expected as families and advocates question how this squares with the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause.
For the estimated 1.2 million non-binary Americans, the administration revoked passport options recognizing gender diversity. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed staff to immediately stop processing applications with “X” gender markers, calling it a return to “biological truth.” While current non-binary passports remain valid, renewals will require individuals to select either male or female – a painful choice for many in the LGBTQ+ community.
These controversial moves form part of a broader immigration crackdown that includes new vetting procedures and enforcement task forces. With hundreds of executive orders signed in rapid succession, the administration has signaled its willingness to make sweeping policy changes without legislative approval.
