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The US World Cup Star Who Couldn't Be an American Under Trump's Plan

The US World Cup Star Who Couldn't Be an American Under Trump's Plan

19 June 2026

Folarin Balogun made headlines during his World Cup debut by scoring two goals, showcasing his immense talent on the global stage. However, his remarkable achievement is overshadowed by the complexities of his citizenship status. As a player born in the United States to Nigerian parents, Balogun embodies the very essence of the ongoing debate surrounding birthright citizenship in America. Under former President Donald Trump's proposed immigration reforms, children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents could face significant challenges in obtaining citizenship. This raises questions about the future of athletes like Balogun, who are redefining American sports while navigating a landscape fraught with legal and political hurdles.