SCOTUS: Americans born in Jerusalem can't list Israel as birthplace on passports

The Supreme Court ruled Monday that parents cannot put Israel as the birthplace on the passports of children born in Jerusalem, the Chicago Tribune reports. The decision acknowledges the ongoing dispute between Israel and Palestine, which both claim the city as their capital.

The 6-3 decision strikes down the controversial part of a 2002 law requiring Jerusalem-born Americans to list Israel as their country of birth. The State Department and Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have disagreed with that provision. The ruling gives the president sole authority to recognize foreign states.

"The congressional command would not only prevent the nation from speaking with one voice but also prevent the Executive itself from doing so in conducting foreign relations," Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote.

The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up