Thomas: Birthright decision 'devalues' American citizenship
Key takeaways
- I am not sure that today s opinion will stand the test of time, Thomas, the longest-serving conservative currently on the bench, wrote in a 91-page dissent to the ruling upholding the 14th Amendment right.
- Thomas did not read his dissent aloud from the bench.
- The Citizenship Clause was consistently interpreted not to apply to the children of foreign temporary visitors, who were by definition not domiciled in the United States, Thomas reasoned.
Why this matters: political developments that affect policy direction and public trust.
Link copied by Sophie Brams - 06/30/26 12:08 PM ET Link copied NOW PLAYING Justice Clarence Thomas disagreed with the Supreme Court s decision on Tuesday to strike down President Trump s executive order restricting birthright citizenship, contending the decision devalues American citizenship.
I am not sure that today s opinion will stand the test of time, Thomas, the longest-serving conservative currently on the bench, wrote in a 91-page dissent to the ruling upholding the 14th Amendment right. The Citizenship Clause added greatly to the dignity and glory of American citizenship. Today s opinion devalues that citizenship.
Thomas did not read his dissent aloud from the bench.