Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order Amid Legal Challenge

A federal judge has temporarily blocked an executive order issued by former President Donald Trump to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States. This order aimed to deny automatic citizenship to children born on U.S. soil to undocumented immigrants. The judge's decision comes as a response to a class-action lawsuit, highlighting the potential irreparable harm to citizenship rights that the order could inflict.

Despite a recent Supreme Court decision that limits the ability of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions, the judge in New Hampshire was able to act within the scope of a class-action lawsuit. This legal maneuver allows for broad relief, serving as a significant counteraction to the Trump administration's immigration policies. Advocates argue that the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the country, was at risk of being undermined.

The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU on behalf of various plaintiffs, including a pregnant asylum seeker and a father seeking permanent residency, whose children could face citizenship denial under the order. The Trump administration had defended the executive order as necessary for national security and economic stability.

The temporary injunction has been stayed for seven days to allow for an appeal, with the Supreme Court expected to rule on its merits by October. This development underscores the ongoing legal battles surrounding immigration policies in the U.S., and how they intersect with constitutional rights. The decision has been welcomed by advocates who estimate that over 150,000 babies could be affected if the order were to take effect. The case continues to challenge the balance between executive authority and constitutional protections.