Folarin Balogun, a 24-year-old striker for AS Monaco and the US men's national soccer team, has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over birthright citizenship in the United States. Born in New York City to Nigerian parents, Balogun's eligibility to play for the US team stems from the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born on US soil. This has drawn attention from political figures, including former President Donald Trump, who has previously called for ending birthright citizenship.
According to verified reports from major outlets like ESPN and BBC, Balogun switched his international allegiance from England to the US in 2023, citing his American birth. His success on the field, including goals for the US in the 2024 Copa AmΓ©rica, has amplified his profile. Trump, during his 2024 campaign, reiterated his stance against birthright citizenship, arguing it encourages illegal immigration. However, legal experts note that ending birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment, as the 14th Amendment's Citizenship Clause has been upheld by the Supreme Court since 1898 in United States v. Wong Kim Ark.
The debate has resurfaced in 2026, with Balogun's case used by both sides. Supporters of birthright citizenship point to Balogun as an example of the system's success, integrating immigrants' children into American society. Critics, including some Republican lawmakers, argue that the policy should be reformed to prevent 'birth tourism' and undocumented immigration. As of June 2026, no legislative changes have been enacted, and the issue remains a key topic in the upcoming midterm elections.
