Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

SEATTLE – In a groundbreaking development, a federal district court judge has temporarily halted President Donald Trump’s executive order targeting birthright citizenship. This decision marks the beginning of what is expected to be a lengthy legal battle over the new administration’s policies.

Judge’s Ruling and Legal Battle

Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour wasted no time in addressing the issue, hearing arguments for just 25 minutes before issuing an order blocking the policy for 14 days. The judge has scheduled further discussions on a preliminary injunction to permanently block the executive order while the case progresses.

“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades,” Coughenour, a Ronald Reagan appointee, remarked. “I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.”

The case comes as four states, including Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon, have sought to challenge the order before it takes effect in late February. Five lawsuits have been filed by Democratic attorneys general and immigrant rights groups, arguing that the order, which seeks to restrict automatic birthright citizenship to children of U.S. citizens and green card holders, is unconstitutional.

Constitution’s 14th Amendment and Legal Arguments

The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution has long been interpreted to grant automatic citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil, with exceptions for the children of foreign diplomats. Lawyers representing the states opposing Trump’s order argue that the proposed policy resembles the infamous Dred Scott decision of 1857.

“If implemented, Trump’s order could lead to children in plaintiff states losing federal funding for vital programs, potentially rendering them undocumented and stateless,” the lawyers contend.

Furthermore, the Justice Department has defended the order, claiming it is essential in addressing the nation’s immigration challenges. They argue that Trump has the authority to issue such executive orders and that the states do not have the standing to sue based on alleged economic harms.

Potential Supreme Court Appeal

With the likelihood of appeals on the horizon, the case is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court. A Justice Department spokesperson has expressed their commitment to defending President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship.

In light of these developments, it is clear that the legal battle over birthright citizenship is far from over, with significant implications for the future of immigration policy in the United States. Stay tuned for more updates on this evolving story.