A federal judge has temporarily blocked Donald Trump’s effort to eliminate automatic citizenship for children born in the U.S.
Court Rules Against Executive Order
A federal judge in Washington struck down Trump’s order, which aimed to deny citizenship to children born to parents without permanent residency. Judge John Coughenour ruled the policy unconstitutional, citing the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship.
The judge called the legal issue clear-cut and issued a 14-day injunction. Trump quickly vowed to challenge the decision, while 22 states, along with cities and civil rights organizations, have filed lawsuits opposing the policy.
Legal Experts Highlight Constitutional Challenges
Scholars insist that modifying birthright citizenship requires a constitutional amendment, not an executive order. This process demands two-thirds approval in Congress and ratification by 38 states, a nearly insurmountable challenge.
Trump’s claim that the U.S. stands alone in granting birthright citizenship is incorrect. Countries such as Canada, Mexico, and others have similar policies. Germany, for instance, grants citizenship to children of foreign parents if they meet specific conditions, like long-term legal residency.
Mexico Prepares for Deportation Surge
Trump’s proposed changes are part of his larger crackdown on migration. He has announced plans to deport millions of undocumented immigrants and declared a national emergency at the southern border, deploying 1,500 troops to the area.
In anticipation of mass deportations, Mexican authorities began preparing reception centers. In Matamoros, a border city, they built facilities capable of housing 3,000 people. Across Mexico, the government plans to open 12 centers, including three for non-Mexican migrants, under the initiative called “Mexico Embraces You.”
The judge’s decision marks a significant setback for Trump’s immigration agenda. Legal disputes over birthright citizenship and other policies are likely to continue, shaping the future of immigration law in the United States.
