Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge in Seattle has halted the Trump’s Executive Ordersigned that aimed to restrict automatic birthright citizenship. US District Judge John Coughenour called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and issued a temporary restraining order at the request of four Democratic-led states.

The controversial order, signed on Trump’s first day in office, directed federal agencies to deny citizenship to children born in the US if neither parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident. This move has already faced five lawsuits from civil rights groups and Democratic attorneys general representing 22 states, who argue it violates the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause.

“This order denies citizenship to babies born today,” said Lane Polozola, Washington’s Assistant Attorney General, during a court hearing. Democratic attorneys general from Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon supported the request to block the administration’s actions.

The Justice Department defended the order, calling it a key element of Trump’s efforts to reform the US immigration system and address border issues. However, the challengers highlighted that the Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the country, as established by the 14th Amendment, which was adopted in 1868 to overturn the infamous Dred Scott decision.

The order, if enforced, could deny citizenship to over 150,000 newborns annually, barring them from Social Security numbers, government benefits, and lawful employment. The legal dispute in Seattle has progressed quickly, with Judge Coughenour—a Reagan appointee—expected to decide soon whether the order can take effect.

Meanwhile, Republican lawmakers in the House have introduced separate legislation to limit birthright citizenship to children of citizens or permanent residents, echoing Trump’s policy.