President Donald Trump’s effort to end birthright citizenship hit a major roadblock this week when a federal judge in New Hampshire ruled against his executive order.
The judge certified a class-action lawsuit representing children who would be impacted by the policy and issued a preliminary injunction to block it from moving forward — at least for now.
What the Lawsuit Means and Who It Represents
This lawsuit, filed on behalf of a pregnant woman, two parents, and their infants, challenges Trump’s January order that denies U.S. citizenship to babies born to parents living in the country illegally or temporarily.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other groups are representing the plaintiffs.
Originally, the plaintiffs wanted the case to include parents as well, but the judge limited the scope to just the children affected.
The case focuses on the 14th Amendment, which clearly states that everyone born or naturalized in the U.S. is a citizen.
Legal Backdrop: Supreme Court’s Role and Ongoing Battles
This isn’t the first challenge to Trump’s executive order.
Several federal judges had already blocked the policy nationwide, but a recent Supreme Court ruling limited such injunctions, pushing lower courts to act within a 30-day window.
Judge Joseph LaPlante, appointed by George W. Bush, gave a seven-day stay on his injunction to allow appeals, signaling that this legal battle will continue for some time.
Meanwhile, similar cases are progressing in other states, including Washington and Maryland, where courts are wrestling with how to apply the Supreme Court’s recent ruling and whether to grant more nationwide injunctions.
Real Stories Behind the Lawsuit
The New Hampshire plaintiffs are using pseudonyms for privacy, but their stories are compelling and heartfelt.
One plaintiff, a woman from Honduras who is due to give birth in October, fled her country after facing gang violence.
She shared her fears about what this policy means for her unborn child: living in fear, hiding, and the threat of family separation due to immigration enforcement.
Another plaintiff, a man from Brazil living in Florida with his wife, recently welcomed their first child.
They’re currently applying for lawful permanent residence through family ties.
He expressed confidence that his baby deserves citizenship and a future in the U.S.
What’s Next in the Legal Fight
With multiple lawsuits underway across the country, this issue remains a hot-button topic.
The courts will continue to debate the constitutionality of Trump’s executive order, the meaning of the 14th Amendment, and what birthright citizenship truly means in America.
As the legal battles unfold, affected families and advocacy groups remain vigilant, fighting to protect the rights of children born on U.S. soil.