Jan 24, 2025 Story by: Editor
A Seattle federal judge issued a temporary restraining order on Thursday, January 23, halting President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants.
“I have been on the bench for over four decades,” stated U.S. District Judge Coughenour during proceedings in a Seattle, Washington courtroom. “I can’t remember another case where the case presented is as clear as it is here. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.”
The 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil. However, Trump’s executive order sought to redefine this provision, barring children born in the U.S. to undocumented parents from obtaining citizenship.
The president’s legal team introduced stipulations requiring at least one parent to be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident for a child to qualify for birthright citizenship. The order also encompassed children of mothers legally in the country on temporary visas, such as tourists, students, or temporary workers.
Judge Coughenour’s decision came after four Democratic-led states secured temporary restraining orders to prevent the executive order from taking effect. Attorneys general from these states argued that the policy could unlawfully deny citizenship to an estimated 150,000 newborns annually who are protected under the 14th Amendment.
During Thursday’s hearing, Coughenour strongly criticized Department of Justice attorney Brett Shumate.
“In your opinion, is this executive order constitutional?” the judge inquired.
“Yes, we think it is,” Shumate replied, prompting a sharp response.
“I have difficulty understanding how a member of the bar can state unequivocally that this is a constitutional order. It boggles my mind,” said Coughenour. “Where were the lawyers when this decision was being made?”
Trump championed the idea of ending birthright citizenship throughout his 2024 presidential campaign. Thursday’s ruling marks the start of what is anticipated to be a prolonged legal battle over whether the president has the authority to reinterpret the 14th Amendment.
Democratic attorneys general from 22 states have filed six lawsuits challenging the executive order, labeling it unconstitutional. The lawsuits argue that the order would inflict irreparable harm on children born to undocumented parents by stripping them of their right to “full participation and opportunity in American society.” Source: AA
