Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

Seattle – A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked an executive order by President Donald Trump that aimed to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States. The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, halted the enforcement of the controversial policy while the court further reviews the case.

Trump’s executive order, signed on his first day back in office, sought to limit the automatic citizenship granted to children born in the U.S. to parents who are not American citizens or lawful permanent residents. The policy, which would apply to children born after February 19, 2025, would have prevented these children from receiving Social Security numbers, government benefits, and the ability to work legally in the U.S., potentially leading to deportation.

Judge Coughenour, appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, issued a temporary restraining order in response to a legal challenge brought by four Democratic-led states—Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon. The states argued that Trump’s order violated the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause, which guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil.

In his ruling, Coughenour called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and expressed disbelief that the Justice Department would defend such a policy. “I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one,” the judge said. He added that the move was “blatantly unconstitutional” and noted that he could not fathom how anyone could argue the order was lawful.

The ruling marks a significant legal setback for Trump, who has made immigration reform a central focus of his second term. The Justice Department, which plans to appeal the decision, has defended the executive order as part of Trump’s broader effort to address what he calls the nation’s “broken immigration system.”

Washington Attorney General Nick Brown, who was part of the challenge, praised the decision, stating that “you are an American citizen if you were born on American soil – period.” He expressed confidence that the ruling would hold even if the matter reaches the U.S. Supreme Court.

Read More: Trump Admin Suspends Afghan Refugee Flights, 15,000 Stranded in Pakistan

If allowed to stand, the policy could affect more than 150,000 newborns annually, according to the Democratic-led states involved in the case. Additionally, six lawsuits have been filed challenging the order, including one by civil rights groups and other state attorneys general.

Trump’s policy comes amidst broader national debates over immigration, with some Republican allies in Congress pushing for legislation that would limit birthright citizenship to children born to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.

The temporary restraining order will remain in effect for at least 14 days while Judge Coughenour considers whether to issue a longer injunction.