One of President Trump's biggest immigration goals has hit a wall.

The Supreme Court ruled that children born in the United States remain U.S. citizens, rejecting Trump's effort to end birthright citizenship through an executive order.

WHAT HAPPENED

In a major ruling on Tuesday, the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship.

The decision leaves in place the long-standing rule that anyone born on U.S. soil is automatically a U.S. citizen, regardless of their parents' immigration status.

Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion, joined by both conservative and liberal justices. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

The Supreme Court struck down Trump's executive order.

• Birthright citizenship remains protected nationwide.
• Chief Justice John Roberts wrote the majority opinion.
• Three conservative justices dissented.
• The ruling keeps the long-standing reading of the 14th Amendment.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

The case was about more than immigration. It tested whether a president can change a constitutional right through executive action instead of passing a law or changing the Constitution.

The ruling also shows the Supreme Court is willing to limit presidential power, even on one of Trump's signature policy goals.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Birthright citizenship remains the law across the country, and children born in the United States will continue to receive U.S. citizenship at birth.

The ruling is a major setback for the Trump administration's immigration agenda and makes it much harder to change birthright citizenship without a constitutional amendment or future legal change.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

Will the Trump administration seek another legal path to limit birthright citizenship?

• Will Congress attempt to pass related immigration legislation?
• Could future Supreme Courts revisit the issue?