In a significant legal setback for former President Donald Trump, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour has temporarily blocked an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of migrants. Judge Coughenour described the order as “blatantly unconstitutional,” citing the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil.
The decision follows Trump’s swift actions after being sworn back into office, including this controversial move that has sparked national outrage and prompted legal battles. According to AP News, the order has led to five lawsuits filed by 22 states and various immigrant rights organizations across the country.
During a court hearing, Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate defended the order and requested a full briefing on the case’s merits. However, Judge Coughenour firmly responded, stating, “The President has no authority to amend the Constitution or override the Citizenship Clause’s guarantee of citizenship to individuals born in the United States.” He further emphasized that he couldn’t recall a case involving an action so clearly in violation of the Constitution.
The 14th Amendment, adopted in 1868, unequivocally provides birthright citizenship, and legal experts and plaintiffs argue that no executive order can supersede this constitutional provision. The lawsuits, supported by the states and immigrant rights groups, underscore that the power to change constitutional guarantees rests with Congress and the amendment process not the presidency.
As reported by The Hill, this temporary restraining order represents a critical victory for the states and organizations opposing Trump’s actions. While the Justice Department is expected to challenge the ruling, this decision highlights the judicial branch’s role in upholding constitutional protections against executive overreach.
The legal battle over birthright citizenship is far from over, with the next court hearing set to determine the future of Trump’s contested order. For now, the ruling reinforces the enduring strength of the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause and its importance in safeguarding the rights of all individuals born in the United States.
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