WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Supreme Court of the United States heard oral arguments in April regarding a case centered on birthright citizenship. This case addresses the immediate access of infants to social protection programs and medical tests during the first days of life.

Lower courts previously suspended an executive order that sought to limit birthright citizenship. The Fourteenth Amendment has provided automatic citizenship to almost all individuals born in the United States since 1868. Babies born in the United States currently receive automatic citizenship, which allows immediate access to support services.

This automatic process facilitates access to necessary documentation. Bruce Lesley, president of First Focus on Children, said, "En el momento del nacimiento, el personal del hospital o centro de maternidad llega, recopila información crucial sobre el bebé y lo inscribe automáticamente. Básicamente, envían todos tus datos para el certificado de nacimiento y tu número de la Seguridad Social. No tienes que hacer nada." He added that details for the birth certificate and Social Security number are sent without requiring parental action. A Social Security number is required for a baby to officially access food benefits, health insurance, and other support services. Parents do not need to submit documents proving citizenship to obtain a Social Security number for a newborn.

Lesley stated, "Fue increíble escuchar los argumentos." He added, "Estaba gritando a la televisión." Lesley said, "Los niños quedan relegados a un segundo plano en todo esto. Se la pasan hablando de lealtad y tonterías, pero a quienes afecta esto son los bebés. El daño recae sobre los bebés." More than 21 million Americans lack immediate access to documents proving their citizenship, according to an amicus curiae brief filed by First Focus on Children.

Pediatrician Kim Avila noted the importance of immediate access to medical care for newborns. Avila said, "Durante el período neonatal, existe una necesidad imperiosa de acceso inmediato y continuo a la atención médica." She added, "Cualquier carga administrativa que pudiera desestabilizar o ralentizar ese sistema pondría en grave riesgo la salud de los niños." Avila also stated, "Retrasar la detección de muchas afecciones médicas durante la primera semana o los primeros días de vida podría tener consecuencias devastadoras y potencialmente de por vida para ese niño."

Newborns typically undergo a jaundice test, pulse oximetry to detect heart defects, and a heel prick to detect rare but serious conditions. Hospital personnel perform a blood heel prick test when a baby is one or two days old to detect 35 serious conditions, including cystic fibrosis and congenital hypothyroidism. Newborns also undergo a hearing test shortly after birth. Pediatricians monitor newborn weight, assist with feeding, and perform urgent follow-ups in severe cases.