President Donald Trump has signed an executive order eliminating birthright citizenship for children born in the US to illegal immigrants.
The signing took place at the White House, nearly eight hours after his inauguration on Monday.
Speaking on the signing of the order, Trump described it as a significant move, saying, “People have been wanting this for decades.”
Earlier in the day, White House officials outlined the new policy, stating that the federal government will no longer automatically grant citizenship to children of illegal immigrants born in the US.
The decision comes after the US president ordered the withdrawal of the US from the World Health Organization (WHO), citing the agency’s alleged mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic and other global health crises.
The decision, announced hours after the president’s inauguration on Monday, was accompanied by strong criticism of the WHO.
The president accused the agency of succumbing to undue political influence from member states and burdening the U.S. with disproportionate financial obligations compared to countries like China.
“World Health ripped us off; everybody rips off the United States. It’s not going to happen anymore,” Trump declared.
The withdrawal, which will take effect in 12 months, includes halting all US financial contributions to the organisation.
