Recently, the Fourteenth Amendment has gained attention due to various legal challenges and political debates surrounding citizenship rights and affirmative action. A notable lawsuit against the University of California alleges racial discrimination in admissions, claiming that the university favors Black and Latino students over Asian American and white applicants. This case highlights ongoing discussions about the amendment's implications for equal protection under the law. Additionally, former President Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship has sparked multiple lawsuits, reigniting debates about the amendment's interpretation.
The Fourteenth Amendment, adopted on July 9, 1868, is one of the Reconstruction Amendments, designed to address issues related to citizenship and civil rights following the Civil War. It grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and ensures that states cannot deny any person equal protection under the law. The amendment has been pivotal in numerous landmark Supreme Court cases, shaping the legal landscape of civil rights and liberties in the United States. Its provisions continue to influence contemporary legal and political discussions, particularly regarding immigration and affirmative action policies.
