Federal judge blocks Trump's birthright citizenship executive order

In 2025, President Donald Trump's executive order, which sought to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to undocumented and temporarily present immigrants, faced significant legal challenges. The executive order was intended to clarify the phrase 'subject to the jurisdiction' within the Fourteenth Amendment, suggesting that it does not extend citizenship rights to children of parents who are in the country unlawfully or temporarily. Following its issuance, multiple lawsuits were filed by immigrant rights groups and five pregnant women, arguing that the order violated constitutional rights and created uncertainty for numerous families. In Maryland, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman held a hearing to determine whether to grant a preliminary injunction against the enforcement of this order. The judge's decision to block the directive came amid concerns that the executive order would call into question the citizenship status of thousands of children, infringing upon their rights and the stability of their families. Judge Boardman highlighted the potential irreparable harm the order could cause to these families if allowed to proceed. Prior to the Maryland ruling, at least one other judge in Seattle, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, had already issued a temporary restraining order against the executive order, labeling it 'blatantly unconstitutional.' The hearings in federal courts across the country were focused on the legality of the order against the backdrop of established precedents regarding birthright citizenship upheld since the late 19th century. The Department of Justice argued that Trump's order was necessary to address perceived flaws in immigration law, claiming that the Constitution should not grant automatic citizenship to children of those they classify as 'illegal' immigrants. The pushback against the executive order reflected broader public concern regarding immigrant rights and the implications of changing citizenship rules on families, particularly amid a climate of heightened scrutiny and hostility towards immigration. Advocates for immigrant rights viewed the legal victories as essential steps in protecting the rights of families, emphasizing the importance of citizenship in providing security and stability for children born in the United States. The proceedings were seen as a critical test of the tension between executive power and constitutional guarantees, with plaintiffs expressing hope that the judicial system would reaffirm their rights against unilateral actions by the executive branch.