Temporary Suspension of Executive Order
A federal judge in Seattle has issued a temporary suspension of the executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which restricts the right to birthright citizenship in the United States. This decision was made in response to a lawsuit filed by four states, including Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon.
Constitutional Concerns
According to Judge John Coughenour, “This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.” The judge expressed his concerns during a hearing, stating that he has been on the bench for over four decades and cannot recall another case where the issue raised is as clear as this one. The order would prevent the issuance of passports, birth certificates, or other documents to children whose mothers are in the country illegally or temporarily, and whose father is not a U.S. citizen.
Legal Challenges
The ruling is the first to address the order, which has sparked criticism in the country. The 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees the rights of former slaves and their children, stating that “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of the United States and of the state in which they reside.” The Trump administration is expected to face further legal challenges, with 22 Democratic-leaning states filing two lawsuits to block the action, as well as a coalition of immigrant rights activists filing a third lawsuit in another state.
Global Perspective
President Trump’s claim that the United States is the only country in the world that recognizes land rights is inaccurate. Dozens of countries grant automatic citizenship to children born on their territory, including neighboring countries Canada and Mexico. The president acknowledged that his action would face legal challenges, stating that “We’ll see (…). I think we have very good fundamentals.” However, Judge Coughenour’s ruling has put a temporary halt to the executive order, citing constitutional concerns.