Trump admin appeals ruling blocking birthright citizenship order
The Trump administration faced a setback on Thursday when a federal judge blocked the president’s birthright citizenship order. The Justice Department quickly filed an appeal to the Ninth Circuit, challenging the ruling. This came after U.S. District Judge John Coughenour extended a temporary restraining order and criticized the administration for disregarding the rule of law for political purposes.
In a scathing rebuke, Coughenour accused President Trump of viewing the rule of law as an obstacle to his policy agenda, rather than a fundamental principle to be upheld. The appeal will now be reviewed by the Ninth Circuit, known for its progressive rulings and higher reversal rate compared to other circuit courts.
The ruling in Washington followed a similar decision by a federal judge in Maryland, further complicating the administration’s efforts to implement the executive order titled “Protecting The Meaning And Value Of American Citizenship.” The order, issued on Inauguration Day, seeks to end birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants as part of a broader overhaul of U.S. immigration policy and border security.
However, opponents of the order argue that it violates the Fourteenth Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction. The interpretation of the clause “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” is at the heart of the legal dispute surrounding the executive order.
In response to the order, Senate Republicans introduced the “Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025,” which aims to reform U.S. law to eliminate birthright citizenship. The bill, sponsored by Senators Lindsey Graham, Katie Britt, and Ted Cruz, seeks to address what they see as a key incentive for illegal immigration and a national security vulnerability.
As the legal battle over birthright citizenship continues, the Trump administration remains determined to defend its executive order. The outcome of the appeal to the Ninth Circuit will have far-reaching implications for immigration policy and constitutional interpretation. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.
