Federal Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump’s Executive Order Ending Birthright Citizenship
In a significant setback for the Trump administration, a federal judge has temporarily blocked President Trump’s executive order that aimed to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented parents or parents with temporary lawful residency status. Judge John C. Coughenour, a Reagan appointee, granted a 14-day nationwide temporary restraining order, calling the executive order “blatantly unconstitutional”.
Background of the Executive Order
The executive order, which was announced by President Trump earlier this month, sought to redefine the concept of birthright citizenship, which is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. The order would have denied citizenship to children born in the US to undocumented parents or parents with temporary lawful residency status.
Challenge to the Executive Order
The executive order was immediately challenged by a coalition of Democratic attorneys general from Arizona, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. The attorneys general argued that the executive order violates the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause and federal immigration law. They described the order as a “Citizenship Stripping Order” that would render thousands of babies born in the US undocumented each month.
Judge’s Ruling
In his ruling, Judge Coughenour stated that the executive order is “blatantly unconstitutional” and that it would cause irreparable harm to the plaintiffs. He granted a 14-day nationwide temporary restraining order, which prevents the executive order from taking effect for now.
Implications of the Ruling
The ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration, which has made immigration reform a central plank of its policy agenda. The executive order was widely seen as an attempt to circumvent Congress and unilaterally impose the administration’s immigration policies.
Reaction from the Trump Administration
The Trump administration has not yet commented on the ruling, but it is likely to appeal the decision. The administration has argued that the executive order is necessary to prevent “birth tourism” and to ensure that citizenship is only granted to those who are entitled to it.
Reaction from Immigration Advocates
Immigration advocates have welcomed the ruling, arguing that it is a victory for the Constitution and for the rights of immigrants. “This ruling is a clear rebuke of the Trump administration’s attempts to undermine the Constitution and the rights of immigrants,” said Karen Tumlin, director of the National Immigration Law Center.
The temporary blocking of President Trump’s executive order ending birthright citizenship is a significant development in the ongoing debate over immigration reform. While the ruling is a setback for the Trump administration, it is likely to be appealed, and the ultimate fate of the executive order remains uncertain.
