US Judge Blocks Trump’s Order on Birthright Citizenship, Calling It Unconstitutional

A U.S. federal judge has blocked an order by President Donald Trump aimed at ending birthright citizenship. The judge called the order "blatantly unconstitutional." Trump signed this order on his first day in office on January 20, 2025.

The order would deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. if neither parent is a citizen or legal permanent resident. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order against it. The order was set to take effect by February 20, 2025.

The judge’s ruling followed lawsuits filed by four states led by Democrats. Civil rights groups also challenged the order, arguing that it violated the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This amendment guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.

During the hearing, the judge expressed doubts about the legality of the order. He questioned how lawyers could claim the order was constitutional. He emphasized that the Constitution clearly protects birthright citizenship.

The order has raised serious concerns among immigrant rights advocates. It could deny citizenship to over 150,000 children born in the U.S. each year if upheld. Several states, including Washington, Oregon and Illinois, argued that the order violated constitutional rights.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other organizations have joined the legal battle. They aim to protect the rights of children born in the U.S. regardless of their parents' citizenship status.

Many expectant parents, especially from the Indian community, have expressed concern. Some are rushing to schedule deliveries before the February 20 deadline to secure U.S. citizenship for their children.

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell criticized the order. She stated that the president does not have the power to take away constitutional rights.

As lawsuits continue, legal experts believe this will be a lengthy battle. Civil rights groups and attorneys general from 22 states are working to prevent the enforcement of this order. They aim to ensure that the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship remains intact.