A federal judge has issued a decisive ruling blocking the enforcement of former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the United States. The ruling, delivered on Wednesday, indefinitely halts one of Trump’s most controversial immigration policies, which was scheduled to take effect nationwide on February 19, 2025.
Judge Declares Order Unconstitutional
In her ruling, District Judge Deborah Boardman emphasized that the executive order contradicts long-standing constitutional principles, particularly the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. She noted that denying birthright citizenship would cause “irreparable harm” and set a dangerous legal precedent.
“The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm,” Boardman stated. “No court in the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation, and this court will not be the first.”
The ruling follows an earlier decision by a federal judge in Washington state, who issued a temporary 14-day stay on the order in January. That judge, John Coughenour, described Trump’s directive as “blatantly unconstitutional,” prompting the former president to announce his intent to appeal.
The Legal Battle Over Birthright Citizenship
Trump’s executive order argued that individuals in the country illegally or on temporary visas were not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and, therefore, were not entitled to birthright citizenship. The administration claimed that the policy was necessary to curb what they termed “birth tourism” and unauthorized immigration.
However, legal experts and civil rights organizations swiftly challenged the order, citing an 1898 Supreme Court ruling in the case of United States v. Wong Kim Ark. The case involved a Chinese-American man who was denied reentry into the U.S. on the grounds that he was not a citizen. The Supreme Court ultimately ruled in his favor, affirming that birthright citizenship applies to children of immigrants regardless of their parents’ legal status.
Reactions and Implications
Immigration advocates have hailed the judge’s decision as a victory for constitutional rights and the rule of law. Organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigration Law Center (NILC) have argued that Trump’s executive order was a direct attack on the U.S. Constitution and an attempt to unilaterally redefine citizenship.
“This ruling reinforces what has been clear for more than a century: the Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship, and no president has the power to change that by executive order,” said an NILC spokesperson.
On the other hand, Trump’s supporters have criticized the ruling, calling it an example of judicial overreach. Some Republican lawmakers have vowed to introduce legislation challenging birthright citizenship, a move that is expected to face significant legal and political hurdles.
What Comes Next?
With Trump signaling his intent to appeal the decision, the legal battle over birthright citizenship is far from over. Legal analysts predict that the case could eventually reach the Supreme Court, where a ruling could have far-reaching implications for U.S. immigration law and constitutional interpretation.
For now, Judge Boardman’s ruling ensures that birthright citizenship remains protected under the 14th Amendment, reaffirming a legal precedent that has stood for more than 150 years. As the case moves forward, the nation will be watching closely to see whether this fundamental right will withstand the latest political and legal challenges.
