Director Ava DuVernay has announced a new documentary titled "14th," which will explore the history and impact of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The film, produced for Netflix, focuses on the amendment ratified in 1868 that granted citizenship and equal legal rights to formerly enslaved people.
The project follows DuVernay's previous work on constitutional issues, including the 2016 documentary "13th," which examined the 13th Amendment and the U.S. prison system. The new documentary arrives as the 14th Amendment's birthright citizenship clause faces renewed legal and political debate.
President Donald Trump has frequently questioned the validity of birthright citizenship, suggesting he could end the practice through an executive order. Proponents of the amendment argue it is a settled constitutional mandate, while critics of birthright citizenship argue it encourages unauthorized immigration and should be reinterpreted or amended. DuVernay stated the film aims to provide historical context to these ongoing discussions.