A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order that aimed to limit birthright citizenship in the United States. The ruling, made on Thursday, prevents the enforcement of the policy for 14 days while the court reviews the matter.
Trump’s executive order, signed on his first day back in office, directed federal agencies to deny US citizenship to children born on American soil if neither parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident. This ruling is a significant setback for Trump’s efforts to change American citizenship laws.
Judge Calls the Order ‘Unconstitutional’
Judge John Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, strongly criticized the order, calling it “unconstitutional.” He questioned how any legal expert could defend the constitutionality of the order, expressing disbelief at the Justice Department’s defense.
Four states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon—challenged the executive order, arguing it violated the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to anyone born in the US, regardless of the parents’ immigration status.
The 14th Amendment and Birthright Citizenship
The issue centers on the 14th Amendment, which was adopted in 1868 after the Civil War. It grants citizenship to anyone born in the US, including children of non-citizen parents. In the 1898 Supreme Court case United States v. Wong Kim Ark, the Court upheld the principle that children born in the US to non-citizen parents are citizens.
Trump’s executive order seeks to challenge this established precedent, which legal experts believe will face heavy scrutiny in court.
Trump’s Effort to End Birthright Citizenship
Trump has long pushed to end birthright citizenship, a central part of his immigration agenda. His administration argues that birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and burdens public resources. The Justice Department defends the order as part of Trump’s broader immigration reform efforts, particularly to address the crisis at the southern border.
Republican Efforts to Change the Law
While the executive order is tied up in court, Trump’s allies in Congress are working on similar legislation. A group of 36 Republican lawmakers introduced a bill that would restrict citizenship to children born to US citizens or lawful permanent residents, aiming to make Trump’s policy law.
The proposal has gained support from conservative lawmakers who believe birthright citizenship encourages illegal immigration and “anchor baby” practices, where non-citizens have children in the US to gain citizenship benefits.