business
President Donald Trump and the citizenship debate: A Tijuana story
By Julie Watson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 24, 2026
· 5 min read
Vivianne Petit Frere's brightly painted Haitian restaurant sits blocks from the towering U.S. border wall in Tijuana.Called Lakou Lakay, the name in Haitian creole means “home,” and it reflects her family’s deepening roots in their adopted homeland where her granddaughter was born two years ago, ...
Key takeaway Called Lakou Lakay, the name in Haitian creole means “home,” and it reflects her family’s deepening roots in their adopted homeland where her granddaughter was born two years ago, automatically making her a Mexican citizen.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
The debate over birthright citizenship has significant implications for the Houston area, where many residents have family ties to countries that offer automatic citizenship to children born on their territory, such as Mexico. As the US Supreme Court prepares to weigh in on the constitutionality of President Trump's birthright citizenship order, local families may be watching with bated breath. The story of Vivianne Petit Frere, who fled Haiti and found a new home in Tijuana, highlights the complexities of immigration and citizenship. In Montgomery County, where Magnolia is located, there may be residents who have experienced similar journeys, seeking a better life in the US or other countries. The outcome of the Supreme Court's decision could have far-reaching consequences for these families and their ability to build a life in the US, making it a crucial issue to follow in the coming months.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: business ·
Published: June 24, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 5 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Vivianne Petit Frere's brightly painted Haitian restaurant sits blocks from the towering U.S. border wall in Tijuana.Called Lakou Lakay, the name in Haitian creole means “home,” and it reflects her family’s deepening roots in their adopted homeland where her granddaughter was born two years ago, ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 24, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Julie Watson, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more business coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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