On January 20, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to illegal migrants.
This move seeks to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, traditionally understood to grant automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
While the policy aims to address immigration challenges in the U.S., it introduces significant concerns for countries like Ghana and across Africa, where remittances from U.S.-based immigrants play a crucial role in economic stability.
Birthright citizenship has historically allowed children born on U.S. soil, regardless of their parents’ immigration status, to gain American citizenship, opening pathways to economic and social opportunities.
The decision, however, threatens to disrupt not just migration patterns but also the flow of remittances, a critical economic lifeline for Ghana and many African nations.
The Role of Remittances in Ghana and Africa
Remittances play a pivotal role in Ghana’s economy, contributing approximately $4.7 billion in 2022, which accounted for 5.9% of the country’s GDP, according to the World Bank. The United States is a significant source of these remittances, with thousands of Ghanaian immigrants, both legal and undocumented, sending money to support their families back home. These funds are critical for household incomes, healthcare, education, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Across Africa, the importance of remittances cannot be overstated. Nigeria, Kenya, and Ghana rank among the continent’s top remittance recipients. In 2022, Africa received over $53 billion in remittances, according to World Bank data, underscoring the significance of these flows in reducing poverty and driving development.
A Pew Research Center report estimates the total number of unauthorized immigrants in the U.S. to be 10.5 million in 2021, with a sizable proportion originating from Africa. These immigrants, including Ghanaians, have contributed to remittance inflows by working and supporting families back home.
The elimination of birthright citizenship could strip their children of legal protections, putting their residency and ability to work, and subsequently remit money back home at risk.
Key Components of the Executive Order
The executive order outlines several impactful provisions:
- Termination of Birthright Citizenship: The order specifies that children born in the U.S. to parents who are neither citizens nor lawful permanent residents will no longer be granted automatic citizenship.
- Enhanced Border Security Measures: In conjunction with this policy, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border, facilitating the deployment of armed forces and the construction of additional barriers.
- Reinstatement of Immigration Policies: The administration plans to revive the “Remain in Mexico” policy, requiring asylum seekers to wait in Mexico during the processing of their U.S. asylum claims.
Legal and Political Implications
Critics argue that altering birthright citizenship through executive action undermines the 14th Amendment, which explicitly states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” Historically, this clause has been interpreted to grant citizenship to nearly all individuals born on U.S. soil.
Legal scholars argue that such a policy change would require a constitutional amendment rather than executive action. The resulting legal battles are anticipated to shape immigration policy and the interpretation of the 14th Amendment in the years ahead.
Supporters of the executive order contend that the move is necessary to deter illegal immigration and preserve the integrity of U.S. citizenship. Critics, however, warn that this could lead to a rise in stateless individuals and further strain international relations.
However, its effects will extend far beyond American borders, with significant implications for Ghana and Africa. The potential decline in remittance flows underscores the interconnectedness of global migration and economic stability.
