A US federal judge has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, calling the order “blatantly unconstitutional.” The ruling, issued on Thursday, marks a significant legal setback for Trump’s immigration agenda during his second term in office.
Key Decision on Birthright Citizenship
US District Judge John Coughenour issued a 14-day temporary restraining order against the Trump administration, preventing any steps to implement the controversial executive order. The order, signed on January 20—Trump’s first day back in office—seeks to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the US if neither parent is a US citizen or legal permanent resident.
“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” Judge Coughenour stated during the hearing, adding, “I cannot remember another case where the question presented was as clear as this one.”
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The federal judge’s ruling was prompted by lawsuits filed by four Democratic-led states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon—alongside civil rights groups. These parties argue that the order violates the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on US soil.
Legal Battle Intensifies
The Trump administration’s attempt to roll back birthright citizenship has sparked immediate opposition. Democratic-ruled states, immigrant rights groups, and an expectant mother have filed lawsuits to halt the executive order.
Andrea Joy Campbell, the Attorney General of Massachusetts, highlighted the far-reaching implications of the order. “If allowed to stand, Trump’s order would, for the first time, deny more than 150,000 children born annually in the US the right to citizenship. President Trump does not have the authority to take away constitutional rights,” she asserted in a statement.
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On February 6, Judge Coughenour is scheduled to decide whether to extend the block as the case progresses.
Trump Administration Vows to Fight Back
In response to the ruling, President Trump expressed his intent to appeal. “Obviously, we will appeal it,” he told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday. The Department of Justice echoed this sentiment, stating it would “vigorously defend” the executive order, which it claims “correctly interprets the 14th Amendment.”
The DOJ also argued that the case had no grounds for a temporary restraining order since the executive order is not set to take effect until February 20.
Washington Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola criticized the executive order as “absurd,” noting that even undocumented immigrants are subject to US laws and judicial rulings. Polozola further emphasized the financial burden states would face in overhauling systems to accommodate the rule.
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“The executive order will impact hundreds of thousands of citizens nationwide who will lose their citizenship under this new rule. Births cannot be paused while the court considers this case,” Polozola argued.
What’s at Stake?
The outcome of this legal battle could redefine the future of immigration policy in the United States. Critics argue that the executive order undermines constitutional rights and creates unnecessary chaos for families and states. Meanwhile, supporters view it as a necessary measure to address what Trump has previously called “birth tourism” and “abuse” of the citizenship system.
As the February 20 deadline looms, all eyes remain on the judiciary to determine whether Trump’s controversial executive order will stand the test of constitutional scrutiny.
