The Supreme Court has upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to parents who are in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The decision is in line with the longstanding judicial interpretation of the 14th Amendment and comes on the final day of a Supreme Court term that has centered on Trump’s expansive claims of presidential power — and largely ruled in his favor. In its other Tuesday rulings, the court upheld laws in roughly half the states that prohibit transgender girls and women from playing on their public school and college sport teams and struck down limits on party spending in federal elections.

The Supreme Court has upheld a broad conception of birthright citizenship, rejecting President Donald Trump’s executive order declaring that children born to people in the United States illegally or temporarily are not American citizens. The justices in their decision in a New Hampshire case Tuesday relied on a long-settled understanding of the 14th Amendment, adopted after the Civil War, and more recent federal laws in ruling anyone born in the country is a citizen, with limited exceptions. The Republican president’s restrictions had been blocked by several lower courts and had not taken effect. The outcome is another major defeat at the high court for Trump, who saw his global tariffs blocked in February.

Jon Meacham is among many historians reflecting on the complex legacy of Thomas Jefferson. He notes that Jefferson's life and work resonate deeply as the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary. Jefferson embodied contradictions, advocating for both states' rights and federal power. His legacy is debated, especially at places like Monticello, where reminders of his role as an enslaver are evident. Jefferson has been claimed by both sides of major historical debates, from the Civil War to civil rights. Monticello continues to host events like July 4 naturalization ceremonies, highlighting the enduring relevance of Jefferson's ideals.

President Donald Trump has insisted that the United States is the only nation to guarantee citizenship to children born within its borders. In fact, about three dozen countries, mostly in the Americas, guarantee birthright citizenship, including Mexico. Vivianne Petit Frere fled Haiti in 2019, settling in Mexico after dreams of reaching the U.S. proved illusory. She says her granddaughter was born in Tijuana and became the first generation Mexican in her family. She says she's grateful her granddaughter will have a Mexican passport and can grow up in a country where there are more opportunities than in Haiti.