Trump’s Effort to Limit Birthright Citizenship Suffers Legal Setback
US President Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict automatic birthright citizenship as part of his hardline immigration policy has faced another legal hurdle. A second federal appeals court has refused to lift a nationwide injunction blocking the executive order, deeming it unconstitutional.
Court Ruling
The Richmond, Virginia-based 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals rejected the Trump administration’s request to stay a nationwide injunction issued by a federal judge in Maryland. The order was deemed unconstitutional and did not pose a significant harm to the government.
Long-Standing Legal Precedent
The court emphasized that the federal government has recognized the birthright citizenship of children born in the US to undocumented or non-permanent immigrants for over a century. The government failed to demonstrate that it would be harmed if it continued to comply with the settled interpretation of the law.
Public Interest Served
The court also found that the public interest was served by leaving the injunction in place, as implementing Trump’s order would lead to "hard to overstate the confusion and upheaval" that would result.
Second Time an Appellate Court Takes Up the Issue
This is the second time an appellate court has considered Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship. The fate of the order may ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court.
Other Courts Have Also Blocked the Order
Another appeals court last week declined to lift a similar injunction issued by a judge in Seattle. Judges in Massachusetts and New Hampshire have also issued injunctions, finding the order violates the US Constitution.
Conclusion
The latest ruling is a significant setback for the Trump administration’s efforts to restrict birthright citizenship. The courts have consistently found the order to be unconstitutional, and it is likely that the issue will ultimately be decided by the US Supreme Court.
FAQs
- What is the Trump administration’s executive order on birthright citizenship?
The order seeks to restrict automatic birthright citizenship, which grants citizenship to children born in the US to undocumented or non-permanent immigrants. - What is the current status of the order?
The order is currently blocked by multiple court injunctions, with two federal appeals courts having declined to lift the injunctions. - What is the next step for the Trump administration?
The Trump administration may appeal the decision to the US Supreme Court or reconsider its approach to birthright citizenship.