How Can I Teach Respect for American Citizenship?

Families, communities, states, and nation are strengthened when the federal government protects the “meaning and value of American citizenship.” That is exactly what the Trump administration is attempting to do by the latest Executive Order “Continuing to Protect the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship, signed at the White House on August 6, 2026, by President Donald J. Trump. 

The purpose of this Executive Order, as explained in Section 1, is to explain that the “privilege of United States citizenship remains a priceless and profound gift” and to guard against “malign foreign actors who attempt to swindle American citizens by taking advantage of the generosity of our Nation.”

After the U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 30, 2026, in Trump v. Barbara 609 U.S. ___, 146 S. Ct. 2438, 2449 (2026) that all children born to parents in the United States “for whom no extra territorial fiction applie[s],” the Trump administration decided to write this order. “This order identifies, non-exhaustively, and prescribes action concerning certain categories of children of aliens who do not fall within the rule of birthright citizenship as announced by the Supreme Court.”

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States that no executive department or agency shall issue documents recognizing United States citizenship to, or accept documents issued by State, local, or other governments or authorities purporting to recognize United States citizenship regarding, persons when neither parent of that person is a citizen and any of the following applies:

(a) either parent of that person is an alien enemy, defined to include any member of a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization under 8 U.S.C. 1189 or Specially  Designated Global Terrorist, consistent with the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, 50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq., and Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001 (Blocking Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten to Commit, or Support Terrorism), as amended;

(b) either parent of that person is a foreign government employee, defined to include:

            (i) ambassadors;

(ii) persons employed by a foreign embassy or consulate who are nationals of that foreign country;

(iii) persons employed by a foreign government in an official capacity; and

(iv) persons employed by an international organization that possess international-organization immunity.

(c) either parent of that person engaged in a commercial transaction to purchase or access birthright citizenship for the person, or engaged in fraudulent activity to obtain citizenship, to include:

(i) when the parent(s) of the person engage in a commercial transaction to ensure that the person’s mother is present in the United States, or a territory of the United States, to give birth; or

(ii) when the parent(s) engage in a commercial transaction with a surrogate present in the United States, or a territory of the United States, to give birth;

(d) the person is born in a territory or territorial waters of the United States where citizenship is not conferred by Federal statute.

Sec. 3. Enforcement.

(a) The Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Commissioner of Social Security shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that the regulations and policies of their respective departments and agencies are consistent with this order, and that no officers, employees, or agents of their respective departments and agencies act, or forbear from acting, in any manner inconsistent with this order.

(b) The heads of all executive departments and agencies shall issue public guidance within 30 days of the date of this order regarding this order’s implementation with respect to their operations and activities.

Sec. 5. General Provisions.

(a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

(d) The costs for publication of this order shall be borne by the Department of Justice. [Emphasis added; paragraphing changed.)

While the U.S. Government with its departments and agencies strives to “protect the meaning and value of American citizenship, parents and teachers should be instructing the children and youth of America to value the blessing of being an American citizen. I asked Google how parents can complete this task and received this answer from AI: 

Parents are the first and most powerful teachers of citizenship, shaping children’s values long before they enter school…. Teaching respect for U.S. citizenship is about modeling the behaviors, attitudes, and habits that reflect the nation’s ideals.

1. Model Respect and Responsibility at Home

Children learn citizenship through daily actions – how you speak, keep promises, handle conflict, and treat others….

·       Be respectful: Use polite language, listen actively, and acknowledge other’s feelings.

·       Keep promises: Show reliability and integrity in commitments.

·       Respect rules: Demonstrate understanding of laws and community norms.

·       Serve others: Volunteer, help neighbors, or participate in community events.

2. Teach the Meaning of Citizenship

Explain that citizenship is more than a passport or voting right – it’s about participation, responsibility, and belonging.

·       Discuss the U.S. Constitution and the rights/responsibilities of citizens.

·       Talk about elected officials and how they serve the public.

·       Share stories of U.S. history and heroes who contributed to the nation.

3. Encourage Active Civic Engagement

Help children see citizenship as action-oriented.

·       Join them in voting, signing petitions, or attending town halls.

·       Involve them in school or community projects.

·       Discuss how small actions (like recycling or kindness) contribute to a stronger society.

4. Build Respect Through Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Respect is a core SEL skill that supports good citizenship.

·       Practice listening without interrupting and valuing different opinions.

·       Teach kindness in small acts – letting someone go first, apologizing when wrong.

·       Use SEL activities like “Random Acts of Kindness” or community-building games to reinforce respect.

5. Use Everyday Opportunities

·       Role-play scenarios like resolving a disagreement or voting.

·       Read books about U.S. values, diversity, and civic duty.

·       Discuss current events in a respectful, open way.

6. Be Consistent and Patient

Children trust what they see daily more than what they hear in a single lesson. Be consistent in modeling respect, and correct disrespectful behavior gently but firmly.

In short: Teach respect for U.S. citizenship by living it yourself, explaining its meaning, encouraging participation, and using everyday moments to reinforce the values of fairness, service, and community. This builds the habits and mindset that make strong, engaged citizens.