In a significant legal development, a federal judge in Seattle has temporarily halted an executive order by President Donald Trump that aimed to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States. The order, signed on Trump’s first day back in office, directed federal agencies to deny citizenship to children born in the US if neither parent is a citizen or a legal permanent resident.
- US District Judge John Coughenour issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, pausing the enforcement of the policy for 14 days while the court reviews a preliminary injunction. This marks the first major legal challenge to Trump’s renewed attempt to redefine the country’s citizenship laws.
The decision underscores the ongoing legal and political debates surrounding birthright citizenship, a practice guaranteed by the 14th Amendment of the US Constitution. Advocates argue that any changes to this policy would require a constitutional amendment, while the Trump administration contends that executive action can address the issue.
This ruling represents a crucial setback for Trump’s administration as it seeks to reshape American immigration policies. Legal experts anticipate that the case could escalate to higher courts, potentially reaching the Supreme Court for final resolution.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.