A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, halting the Trump administration’s attempt to eliminate birthright citizenship. The judge deemed the executive order “blatantly unconstitutional,” in a ruling with nationwide implications.
Arguments from Plaintiff States
The decision resulted from a lawsuit filed by Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon, highlighting alleged violations of the 14th Amendment. Notably, this amendment ensures citizenship for all individuals born or naturalized in the United States, a critical constitutional right. Consequently, the judge ruled the measure legally unfounded, aligning with the amendment’s explicit protections and principles. Furthermore, the ruling reinforced the significance of adhering to constitutional guarantees when implementing new legislative or executive measures.
Criticism of the Executive Order
During the hearing, Judge John C. Coughenour voiced skepticism regarding the order’s rationale, questioning its foundation and purpose. Furthermore, the judge reportedly stated that the policy “defies logic,” highlighting its lack of coherence. According to the Associated Press, these remarks underscored the judicial critique of the administration’s controversial proposal. Ultimately, the ruling represents a significant judicial rebuke to one of Trump’s most polarizing and debated policy measures.

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Reactions from Public Officials
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown highlighted the ruling’s significance on social media. “A judge declared this the most blatantly unconstitutional order in 40 years,” he stated, celebrating the temporary halt to the presidential mandate.
Additional Lawsuits in Progress
The Washington case is not unique; other lawsuits have been filed in Massachusetts and Washington, D.C., driven by 18 states and civil rights organizations. These legal actions aim to prevent the order from taking effect, which was scheduled for mid-February.
Impact of the Executive Order
The measure sought to revoke automatic citizenship for children born to parents without legal status, including temporary visitors and students. According to the Trump administration, this aligns with the “jurisdiction” clause of the 14th Amendment, an argument widely criticized by legal experts.
Social and Administrative Consequences
The plaintiff states argued that the policy would affect approximately 153,000 children born annually to undocumented parents. They claimed the order would increase administrative burdens, reduce federal funding, and create a marginalized subgroup, fostering long-term social instability. This ruling marks a pivotal chapter in the legal battle to preserve birthright citizenship, a right established since 1868.
