The Supreme Court heard arguments on President Donald Trump's executive order redefining birthright citizenship, with observers noting Justice Samuel Alito's apparent support for the government's position.
While Chief Justice John Roberts called Solicitor General D. John Sauer's approach "quirky," Alito posed questions that aided the government's arguments, citing illegal immigration as unknown during the 14th Amendment's adoption. Alito also raised hypothetical questions about Iranian sleeper cells obtaining citizenship.
Legal experts criticized the line of questioning. Constitutional law professor Anthony Michael Kreis stated Alito's reasoning would have appalled the Founding generation.
Financial analyst George Pearkes predicted a disastrous hearing for the Trump administration, anticipating a 7-2 decision against the government. Critics noted Alito's questions reflected conspiracy theories about immigrant babies becoming "Manchurian Americans."
The case, Trump v. Barbara, will determine whether birthright citizenship survives constitutional challenge
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