Washington: A federal judge issued a nationwide injunction blocking former President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to end birthright citizenship. The ruling marks a major legal setback for Trump’s immigration policies and upholds the constitutional right to citizenship by birth.
Judge Declares Order Unconstitutional
Judge Deborah Boardman blocked the order nationwide Wednesday. She stated that the executive order is likely unconstitutional and contradicts longstanding legal precedent.
“The order conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment, contradicts 125-year-old Supreme Court precedent, and runs counter to our nation’s 250-year history of citizenship by birth,” Boardman said during the hearing.
She emphasized that no court has ever supported such an interpretation of the Constitution, “This court will not be the first.”
A Major Legal Challenge to Trump’s Policy
On his first day back in office, Trump signed an executive order to strip automatic citizenship from children of undocumented immigrants. However, the move faced immediate legal challenges. Just days later, another federal judge had already put the order on hold.
Judge Boardman’s latest ruling reinforces the constitutional protections of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees that anyone born on U.S. soil automatically receives citizenship.
Lawsuit Brought by Affected Families
The lawsuit against Trump’s order was filed in Maryland by five pregnant women and two immigrant-rights organizations. The plaintiffs argued that their children’s citizenship rights were directly at risk.
Boardman determined that a nationwide injunction was necessary to protect all impacted individuals. She reasoned that “the government will not be harmed by a preliminary injunction that prevents it from enforcing an executive order likely to be found unconstitutional.”
What’s Next for the Policy?
The ruling is a major setback for Trump’s immigration agenda. Legal experts suggest that the case will likely move to higher courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court. The 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship provision remains intact, ensuring automatic citizenship for all children born in the U.S.
With ongoing legal battles ahead, immigration rights groups and affected families are watching closely as the case unfolds. The Biden administration has voiced its strong opposition to the order, reaffirming its commitment to preserving birthright citizenship.
Conclusion
The federal court’s decision checks executive power by preventing an order that challenges a fundamental constitutional right. As the case moves through the legal system, the long-established principle of birthright citizenship remains protected under the 14th Amendment.
