A dramatic turn of events! A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked former President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order banning birthright citizenship. This stunning decision throws a wrench into Trump’s immigration crackdown plans.
A legal earthquake in court
The ruling, delivered Thursday by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour, has shaken the nation. The judge, a Reagan appointee, didn’t mince words. He called Trump’s order “blatantly unconstitutional” and said it “boggles the mind.” Coughenour declared he had never seen such an outrageous case in over 40 years on the bench.
The lawsuit was spearheaded by four states: Arizona, Illinois, Oregon, and Washington. They joined forces to challenge Trump’s executive order, which he signed immediately after taking office. Their argument? The order goes against the U.S. Constitution and sets a dangerous, unprecedented precedent.
Trump’s big plan hits a wall
The executive order sought to change the interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The amendment famously guarantees U.S. citizenship to anyone born on American soil. Trump wanted to exclude children of illegal immigrants and temporary visa holders. Critics say this move targets hundreds of thousands of babies born in the U.S. every year.
Judge Coughenour’s ruling is no small victory for Trump’s opponents. The temporary restraining order halts the ban across the entire country for at least 14 days. This decision is a major blow to Trump’s new administration, which planned to enforce the ban starting February 19.
What’s next for the 14th amendment?
Trump’s team argues the 14th Amendment doesn’t guarantee citizenship for everyone born in the U.S. However, immigrant rights groups and 22 states are fighting back hard. They insist the Constitution clearly protects birthright citizenship and accuse Trump of overstepping his authority.
The U.S. is one of around 30 nations with birthright citizenship laws. Trump’s proposal to limit this fundamental right has sparked outrage, both at home and abroad.
For now, the fate of Trump’s executive order hangs in the balance. With the nation watching, legal experts say this battle could make its way to the Supreme Court. The decision will not only affect immigrant families but also define the limits of presidential power in America.
