For over a hundred years, if you were born on American soil, you were an American. Today, the highest court in the land said that promise cannot be broken by a president's pen.

WHAT HAPPENED

The Supreme Court struck down a new rule that tried to stop automatic citizenship. This rule was part of an order signed on the first day of the current term.

Chief Justice Roberts and Justice Barrett joined the three liberal judges to form the majority. They ruled that the 14th Amendment is a clear guarantee that cannot be ignored.

The court said that being born here makes you a citizen, no matter where your parents came from. This decision preserves a rule that has shaped the country since the Civil War.

WHAT THE EVIDENCE SHOWS

6-3: The final vote count by the justices.

• 14th Amendment: The part of the Constitution that guarantees citizenship.
• Day One: When the executive order was first signed.
• 2 Justices: Roberts and Barrett joined the majority to protect the law.
• 1868: The year the 14th Amendment was added to the Constitution.

THE BIGGER QUESTION

This case asks if a president can change the meaning of the Constitution without a vote from the people. If the 14th Amendment can be erased today, what other rights could be taken away tomorrow?

It shows a deep divide over who we think belongs in this country. We have to ask if our laws should be based on where someone's parents are from or where the child is born.

WHAT HAPPENS NOW

Thousands of families can breathe easier knowing their children's status is safe. This ruling sets a firm limit on what a president can do with an executive order.

It means any major change to citizenship would need a new Amendment. That is very hard to pass and requires most of the country to agree.

WHAT WE STILL DON'T KNOW

1. Will the White House try to pass a new law through Congress to challenge this again?
2. How will this ruling affect the way people vote in the next election?
3. Will this lead to more court cases about other parts of the 14th Amendment?

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