C-SPAN requested permission to broadcast live upcoming Supreme Court oral arguments scheduled for May 15 regarding challenges to the Trump administration’s executive order concerning birthright citizenship. The cases challenge the order which aims to withhold citizenship from some children born in the United States to undocumented immigrants.
The request from the public affairs network asks the Court to allow television cameras for the proceedings. The Supreme Court has historically prohibited cameras in its courtroom.
During the 2020 pandemic, the high court began providing live audio streams of arguments. This practice continued even after in-person arguments resumed.
In a letter posted Wednesday, C-SPAN chief executive officer Sam Feist stated the case holds national significance. He wrote that its implications will affect Americans, and public interest is best served through live television coverage of the proceedings. The letter outlines the request to televise the oral argument.
The executive order was signed by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, seeking to alter the interpretation of the 14th Amendment for certain births within the U.S..The 14th Amendment states that "all persons born" in the United States "are citizens of the United States." This text has long been understood to grant U.S. citizenship to anyone born in the country, regardless of parental immigration status. Understanding birthright citizenship involves examining this constitutional provision.
The cases challenging the order have reached the Supreme Court, which is handling them on its emergency docket. This process allows cases to reach the justices faster than the standard path.
"This case holds profound national significance," read the letter from Sam Feist.
