Republicans in Congress are wasting no time responding after the Supreme Court struck down President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.
Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn.) has unveiled new legislation called the Anchors Away Act, a proposal aimed at preventing pregnant foreign nationals from entering the United States if their primary purpose is to give birth on American soil and secure U.S. citizenship for their child.
Supporters say the legislation would help curb so-called “birth tourism,” while critics are expected to argue it raises constitutional and immigration concerns.
Republicans Push New Immigration Proposal
Ogles announced the legislation during an appearance with Fox News host Will Cain, saying Congress has the authority to address what he views as a loophole in current immigration law.
According to Ogles, the measure would prevent foreign nationals from traveling to the United States while pregnant solely to obtain automatic citizenship benefits for their children.
He argued that lawmakers should take action now that the Supreme Court has ruled against President Trump’s executive order.
The proposal immediately became one of the first major Republican legislative responses to the Court’s decision.
Supreme Court Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order
The new bill comes after the Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that President Trump’s executive order limiting birthright citizenship could not take effect.
The majority concluded the order conflicts with the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted as granting U.S. citizenship to nearly every child born on American soil.
Chief Justice John Roberts authored the majority opinion.
The decision represents a significant setback for one of Trump’s signature immigration priorities during his second term.
Justice Kavanaugh Says Congress Still Has Options
Although the Court rejected the executive order, Justice Brett Kavanaugh argued in his dissent that Congress still has the constitutional authority to change federal law.
Kavanaugh wrote that while the executive branch cannot override existing law on its own, Congress could pass legislation establishing exceptions for children born to parents who are in the country illegally or only temporarily.
His opinion has encouraged Republicans who believe immigration reform should now move through the legislative process instead of relying on executive action.
Trump Calls on Congress to Act Immediately
Following the ruling, President Trump urged Congress to move quickly.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump argued that lawmakers—not the courts—now have the opportunity to change birthright citizenship through federal legislation.
He said Congress should begin work immediately and pledged his full support for legislation addressing the issue.
The president also argued that passing a new law would be easier than pursuing a constitutional amendment.
Speaker Mike Johnson Signals Support
House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated that Republican leadership is already reviewing Ogles’ proposal.
Johnson said lawmakers are looking closely at the legislation and agreed that concerns over birthright citizenship deserve immediate attention.
He also suggested Congress may be able to address the issue legislatively without the lengthy process of amending the Constitution.
According to Johnson, many Republicans believe the current interpretation of birthright citizenship has been stretched beyond its original intent and should be reconsidered by Congress.
Immigration Debate Returns to Capitol Hill
With the Supreme Court ruling limiting the administration’s executive authority, Republicans are shifting their focus to Congress.
The Anchors Away Act is expected to become part of a broader debate over immigration enforcement, border security, and birthright citizenship as lawmakers prepare for additional legislative battles in Washington.
Whether the measure ultimately becomes law remains uncertain, but it demonstrates that Republicans are continuing to pursue new legislative strategies after the Court’s decision.
What Happens Next?
The proposal now faces the normal legislative process, including committee review and possible votes in the House and Senate.
Even if the bill advances in the House, it could face significant obstacles in the Senate and would almost certainly trigger another round of legal and constitutional debate.
With immigration expected to remain one of the defining political issues ahead of the midterm elections, birthright citizenship is likely to stay at the center of the national conversation.