A recent survey indicates that the majority of Korean Americans support the abolition of automatic birthright citizenship, aligning with the controversial executive order implemented by President Donald Trump’s second administration.
The executive order, which went into effect on January 21, states that children born in the U.S. will not be granted automatic citizenship if their parents do not hold permanent residency or higher immigration status, overriding the previous jus soli (birthright citizenship) principle.
The policy has ignited intense national debate, with four U.S. states filing lawsuits against the federal government in the Seattle District Court seeking an injunction to halt enforcement of the order. While the court issued a temporary 14-day suspension, discussions surrounding the executive order remain highly contentious.
Amid this debate, The Korea Daily conducted an online survey on its website (www.koreadaily.com) from January 21 to 29, gathering public opinion from Korean Americans over a nine-day period.
A total of 1,022 respondents participated in the poll, with an overwhelming 82.7% (845 individuals) expressing support for the abolition of birthright citizenship. Only 15.1% (154 respondents) opposed the measure, arguing that it is unconstitutional and should be addressed through congressional debate rather than an executive order.
The survey also revealed demographic trends among participants. Approximately 47% were in their 60s and 70s, while 46% were in their 40s and 50s. Additionally, 80.4% of respondents identified as U.S. citizens, while 17.7% were permanent residents. A vast majority (97%) reported living in the United States for over 10 years.
Many respondents argued that it was time to reconsider birthright citizenship for the sake of social stability in the United States. Some pointed to cases of “birth tourism,” where foreign nationals—especially undocumented immigrants—travel to the U.S. to give birth and exploit the system.
One participant stated, “The practice of granting automatic citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants has been abused for too long, and taxpayers have been forced to cover the costs. This must end.”
Another respondent criticized the loophole, saying, “Some foreign nationals give birth in the U.S., then return to their home countries without paying taxes. Later, their children, as U.S. citizens, come back and claim full benefits. Meanwhile, lifelong taxpayers are left frustrated.”
A smaller but vocal minority of respondents opposed the executive order, arguing that birthright citizenship is enshrined in the U.S. Constitution and cannot be changed through executive action alone.
One respondent commented, “This is a long-standing constitutional right. If there is a need to change it, it should be discussed in Congress through proper legislative procedures, not by a sudden executive order.”
BY BRIAN CHOI, YOUNGNAM KIM [ichoi@koreadaily.com]
