The birthright citizenship battle escalated on Friday after a federal judge blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order. The decision delivered a major blow to Trump’s long-standing effort to end automatic citizenship for children born to undocumented or temporary residents.
Judge Leo Sorokin upheld a nationwide injunction against Trump’s order, originally issued earlier this year. That ruling had been requested by over a dozen U.S. states. Sorokin confirmed that his decision would stand despite recent U.S. Supreme Court restrictions on wide-reaching federal court rulings.
“This is an exception,” Sorokin explained. “The Constitution still protects birthright citizenship under the Fourteenth Amendment.” He acknowledged the issue may return to the Supreme Court for a final verdict. Still, for now, Trump’s executive order remains blocked.
Trump had signed the controversial order on his first day in office. The move was part of a broader immigration crackdown that included multiple executive actions. His administration claimed children born to undocumented or temporary residents were not under U.S. jurisdiction.
That claim, however, failed to persuade several courts. On Wednesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco affirmed the nationwide injunction. Earlier this month, a judge in New Hampshire reached a similar decision in a related case.
Judge Sorokin dismissed the argument that the Supreme Court’s ruling required a more limited approach. He emphasized the importance of protecting constitutional rights. He also noted that states stood to lose millions in essential health funding tied to citizenship data.
The plaintiffs, including families and advocacy groups, argued that Trump’s order violated the 14th Amendment. They said the change would strip U.S.-born children of legal status and services. States feared it could disrupt healthcare access for thousands of children.
The birthright citizenship battle now heads toward a likely Supreme Court review. In the meantime, the lower court ruling keeps protections in place.
Legal experts expect this debate to shape future immigration policy. The birthright citizenship battle remains one of the most watched constitutional fights in recent years.
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