Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship

A federal judge has blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman of Maryland issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, preventing the policy from taking effect as scheduled on February 19. The ruling halts implementation while legal proceedings continue.

Constitutional Basis for the Ruling

Judge Boardman ruled that Trump's order contradicts the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil. She emphasized that "citizenship is a most precious right" and noted that no court has previously supported Trump's interpretation. The 14th Amendment has ensured birthright citizenship for over a century.

Impact on Affected Individuals

The executive order sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents were neither citizens nor lawful residents. This policy would have significantly impacted individuals on non-immigrant visas, such as H-1B or L visas, as well as those residing unlawfully in the country. Immigrant advocacy groups filed the lawsuit on behalf of pregnant women, raising concerns about the potential denial of constitutional rights for their children.

Legal Challenges and Broader Implications

The Maryland case is one of several lawsuits challenging Trump’s order. The ruling has been welcomed by immigrant rights organizations and Democratic-led states, arguing that the directive undermines the 14th Amendment. However, conservatives contend that birthright citizenship incentivizes illegal immigration and facilitates birth tourism. The Trump administration continues to assert that the policy is necessary to address immigration challenges at the southern border.

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