A U.S. federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s move to limit birthright citizenship. The ruling halts the enforcement of a controversial executive order that Trump signed shortly after taking office for his second term.
The decision comes after lawsuits from 22 states, two cities, and various civil rights organizations challenging the order.
Senior U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, who has over four decades of experience on the bench, expressed clear opposition to the order, calling it “blatantly unconstitutional.” He stated, “I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one.”
At the heart of the issue is the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. It states that anyone born in the U.S. is automatically a citizen, regardless of their parents’ status. Trump’s executive order had sought to exclude individuals in the U.S. illegally or on a visa from this protection, arguing they were not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the country.
The temporary block allows time for further legal proceedings, as the matter moves forward.
