On Thursday, a federal judge in Seattle, John Coughenour, issued a temporary block on President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the United States, according to international news agencies. Trump's order, signed upon taking office, sought to deny citizenship to children born on U.S. soil whose parents are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents.
The judge's decision was in response to a request from the attorneys general of Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon. They argued that the executive order violated the Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states, "All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside."
Originating after the Civil War and ratified in 1868, the 14th Amendment firmly establishes that "all persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the state in which they reside." Under this amendment, for instance, individuals present in the country on a tourist visa or even residing unlawfully can become parents to a U.S. citizen if their child is born in the country, as explained by the Associated Press.
The Department of Justice defended Trump's order as a crucial element of the president's efforts to address the immigration system and the situation at the southern border, as reported by Reuters. However, opponents argue that the 14th Amendment's interpretation does not exclude children of those in the country illegally, as they are subject to U.S. laws.
According to the Associated Press, it is estimated that over 150,000 children are born annually in the United States to parents who are neither citizens nor legal permanent residents. If the executive order were implemented, these children would be denied citizenship and government benefits and potentially face deportation.
Civil rights organizations, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), have filed lawsuits against Trump's order, labeling it unconstitutional. This judicial ruling marks a significant hurdle for the Trump administration's attempt to redefine birthright citizenship, a principle that has been a cornerstone in the United States for over 150 years. It is expected that the case could escalate to the Supreme Court for a final decision.
Understanding the Implications of the Birthright Citizenship Debate
What is the significance of the 14th Amendment regarding citizenship?
The 14th Amendment guarantees that all persons born or naturalized in the United States are citizens of the country and the state where they reside, regardless of their parents' citizenship status.
How many children could be affected by Trump's executive order?
An estimated 150,000 children born annually in the U.S. to non-citizen and non-legal permanent resident parents could be affected, losing their citizenship rights and government benefits.
What is the potential next step in the legal process?
The case could potentially reach the Supreme Court for a final ruling on the constitutionality of the executive order.