A federal judge has issued a ruling blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to undocumented immigrants. This decision marks the second time a judge has intervened against the controversial order, which has sparked significant legal challenges and public debate.
Judge Deborah Boardman of the Maryland District Court emphasized the long-standing tradition of birthright citizenship in the United States, stating, "Today, virtually every baby born on US soil is a US citizen upon birth. That is the law and tradition of our country." She affirmed that this legal framework would remain in effect while the case is resolved, reinforcing the status quo established by the 14th Amendment.
The executive order had already faced a temporary hold due to a separate lawsuit, where a federal judge in Seattle described the action as “blatantly unconstitutional.” The legal opposition to Trump’s order has grown, with 22 states and various organizations filing lawsuits challenging its validity. These lawsuits argue that the executive order attempts to redefine the meaning of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the U.S., with limited exceptions.
Trump’s executive action came shortly after he took office on January 20, 2025. During a press briefing, he claimed that the U.S. was “the only” country in the world that grants birthright citizenship, a statement that has been widely disputed. Critics argue that numerous countries, particularly in the Americas, follow similar practices.
Birthright citizenship, based on the principle of jus soli, grants automatic citizenship to individuals born within a country’s borders, regardless of their parents’ immigration status. This principle has been a cornerstone of U.S. citizenship laws for over 150 years, rooted in the 14th Amendment ratified in 1868, which was designed to ensure citizenship for former slaves and free African Americans.
The legal and social implications of Trump’s order have raised concerns among immigrant communities across the nation. Many fear the potential consequences for families and children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents. The ongoing legal battles highlight the contentious nature of immigration policy in the United States and the broader debate over citizenship rights.
As the situation develops, advocates for immigrant rights are preparing for a protracted fight against the administration’s efforts to alter birthright citizenship, emphasizing the importance of maintaining established legal protections for all individuals born in the United States.