WSN024 Report | July 2025
A federal judge agreed Thursday to issue a new nationwide block against President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to end the constitutional right of birthright citizenship for children born in the United States.
Background
The executive order, signed on Trump’s first day back in office in February, directed federal agencies to deny automatic citizenship to babies born on US soil to undocumented immigrants. The order triggered a wave of lawsuits from civil rights and immigration advocacy groups, who argued it violated the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.
The Trump administration contended that the 14th Amendment had been misinterpreted and that Congress could clarify its scope through legislation or executive action. Legal scholars widely disagreed, warning that stripping citizenship by executive fiat was unconstitutional.
The Ruling
US District Judge Joseph Laplante, presiding in New Hampshire, ruled from the bench to certify a nationwide class action lawsuit. The class includes all children born in the United States after February 20 who were denied citizenship under the executive order.
“This is a profound question of constitutional magnitude,” Laplante said in court. “The plaintiffs have shown a strong likelihood of success on the merits of their claim that the order violates the 14th Amendment.”
The judge issued a preliminary injunction, meaning the order cannot be enforced while the litigation continues.
Significance of the Decision
The ruling is notable because last month the Supreme Court limited the power of lower courts to impose sweeping nationwide injunctions in most cases. However, the justices carved out an exception allowing such relief if plaintiffs pursue class action certification, which immigration attorneys did here.
Experts say the injunction could remain in effect for many months, potentially until the case reaches the Supreme Court again.
Reactions
Immigration advocates praised the decision as a critical protection for constitutional rights. “Today’s ruling upholds a principle that has stood since Reconstruction—that all persons born in the United States are citizens, regardless of their parents’ status,” said a spokesperson for the American Immigration Council.
The Trump administration vowed to appeal, calling the ruling “judicial overreach.” In a statement, the White House Press Office said: “President Trump will never stop fighting to restore the rule of law in our immigration system.”
What Happens Next?
The preliminary injunction will remain in place indefinitely while the case moves forward. The Department of Justice is expected to seek an emergency stay from the First Circuit Court of Appeals.
Meanwhile, hospitals and federal agencies must continue issuing birth certificates and citizenship documents to all US-born children as required before the executive order.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.