The press briefing room of the White House has turned contentious as Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt faces backlash over her statements on immigration and citizenship. Her controversial remarks about birthright citizenship and undocumented immigrants have sparked heated debates and prompted urgent fact-checking.
During her first press conference on January 29, 2025, Leavitt asserted, "This administration believes birthright citizenship is unconstitutional," igniting immediate scrutiny. Birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, is protected by the Fourteenth Amendment. Legal scholars and immigration experts quickly pointed out the inaccuracies of her claim. According to the Constitution, "all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside." This legal foundation has been upheld for over a century.
Leavitt's comments surfaced alongside President Donald Trump's push to rescind this long-standing policy through executive action. Her statement came just after the Trump administration signed an executive order aimed at eliminating birthright citizenship rights for the children of undocumented immigrants. The ensuing legal chaos saw 22 states filing suit against the administration, challenging the validity of the executive order. Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order on the enforcement of this order, labeling it "blatantly unconstitutional."
"The president cannot, with a stroke of a pen, write the 14th Amendment out of existence, period," stated New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin. Coughenour echoed these sentiments, questioning how Trump's legal team could ever endorse such unconstitutional claims. This legal precedent against undermining birthright citizenship is significant, stemming from landmark cases like United States v. Wong Kim Ark (1898), which established the fundamental nature of birthright citizenship.
Leavitt's remarks about undocumented individuals compounded the controversy. She stated, "All undocumented people are criminals," eliciting outrage from immigration advocates and legal experts alike. Critics slammed the characterization as not only inaccurate but also harmful to millions of people who contribute to society yet live without legal status. This framing disparages the essence of the immigrant experience, which is often etched with stories of hardship, struggle, and resilience.
Erica Foldy, who serves as associate professor at NYU’s Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, argued, "This rhetoric aims to delegitimize the existence of undocumented individuals, implying they are second-class citizens unworthy of basic rights." The notion of 'criminal' immigrants fails to capture the complex realities faced by many, including those who may have entered the U.S. seeking asylum or fleeing violence.
Leavitt's approach reflects broader themes found within the Trump administration’s policies. Critics suggest her statements align with Trump's historical tendency to promote policies rooted in exclusion rather than inclusion. The administration's past has been marred by actions labeled as racist, colorblindness politics which undermine the contributions of racial minorities.
During her press briefing, Leavitt recognized the significance of American history and the contributions of all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity. Her comments were intended to promote unity but were perceived by many as diminishing the specific acknowledgment of Black History Month. Responses on social media varied, with some noting her pivot from Black History Month to referencing contributions from all Americans, leading to doubts about the administration’s commitment to celebrating marginalized histories.
Legal experts and historians stress the importance of Black History Month, emphasizing its role in combating systemic injustices and recognizing the historical contributions of Black Americans. Marcus Anthony Hunter, sociologist and author, passionately stated, "We need to acknowledge and celebrate this powerful history; otherwise, it might fade back to being erased from our collective memory." The administration’s dismissal of these contributions threatens to obscure important narratives about America’s past.
While Leavitt aims to present the administration’s policies, her assertions have raised alarms about the dangerous consequences these narratives might incite. America stands at the crossroads of maintaining its constitutional commitments and crafting policies responsive to the realities of migration, equality, and human rights.
A national dialogue has emerged, calling for individuals to reflect on the core principles surrounding citizenship, rights, and the American promise for all, including those historically marginalized. Foldy encouraged citizens to remind skeptics of the historical truth: "Black history is American history, and it deserves acknowledgment and celebration at every level of society."
Whether or not Leavitt’s words will translate to tangible shifts within immigration policy remains to be seen. But the backlash ignited by her press conference signals the urgency for advocates and citizens alike to reclaim narratives around immigration rights and the complex but fundamental nature of citizenship. It is clear, especially now, as debates over identity and belonging intensify, mere rhetoric is no longer enough.