A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order redefining birthright citizenship, deeming it “blatantly unconstitutional”. US District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order after a multi-state effort challenging the order was brought before him. This is one of five lawsuits by 22 states and immigrant rights groups across the country. The judge stated that he couldn’t remember a case that challenged the constitution so clearly.
The Department of Justice plans to vigorously defend the executive order, which addresses birthright citizenship as it relates to the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Legal experts believe that Trump’s aim of ending birthright citizenship is a deterrent to combat illegal migration. However, immigration attorneys argue that the decision to migrate is often driven by seeking economic opportunities and freedom from political repression, not the desire for birthright citizenship for their children.
If the temporary restraining order becomes permanent, it could significantly hinder Trump’s ability to implement the changes as it may require a change to the US Constitution’s 14th Amendment. The Department of Justice stated that it looks forward to presenting a full argument to the court and the American people. Trump reacted to the decision by expressing that he will appeal, emphasizing that there are no surprises with the judge who made the ruling. Birthright citizenship is a principle applied in approximately 30 countries, with most in the Americas.
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