Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Executive Order

A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at denying U.S. citizenship to children born to parents living in the country illegally. The order, issued shortly after Trump’s second-term inauguration, would revoke birthright citizenship for those born after February 19, 2025, and prevent federal agencies from recognizing such individuals as U.S. citizens.

Judge John Coughenour labeled the order “blatantly unconstitutional,” referencing the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all born on U.S. soil. The judge granted a 14-day restraining order while the case proceeds, with further arguments scheduled for February 6.

The executive order has sparked widespread legal challenges, with lawsuits from 22 states and various immigrant rights groups. Critics, including Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, emphasized that the 14th Amendment’s protections are clear and non-negotiable, ensuring citizenship for anyone born on U.S. soil.

Supporters of the order argue that children of undocumented immigrants are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the United States, but this claim has faced significant opposition. The legal precedent, including an 1898 Supreme Court decision, affirms the principle of birthright citizenship.

This ruling temporarily halts Trump’s controversial measure, signaling a broader legal battle over the constitutional interpretation of citizenship.

Source: AP News