A federal judge in Seattle has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship, just one day after a judge in Maryland also temporarily blocked the same order. U.S. District Judge John Coughenour criticized the administration, stating, “It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals.” Coughenour emphasized that the Constitution cannot be manipulated for political purposes, adding that the injunction applies nationwide.
During a brief 20-minute hearing, an attorney representing state attorneys general argued that the injunction was crucial to protect the plaintiffs, stressing that the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause guarantees birthright citizenship and cannot be altered by the executive branch. “It was a promise that citizenship at birth is beyond the power of the government to take away or destroy,” the attorney argued.
The Department of Justice, represented by Drew Ensign, disagreed with the plaintiffs’ interpretation of the 14th Amendment, asserting that the citizenship clause applies only to individuals under the protection of the country. The Trump administration argued that children born to parents without legal status in the U.S. should not automatically receive citizenship unless one parent is a citizen or permanent resident.
Judge Coughenour called birthright citizenship “a fundamental constitutional right” and stressed the importance of safeguarding the rule of law. “There are moments in the world’s history when people look back and ask, ‘Where were the lawyers, where were the judges?'” Coughenour said, pledging to protect the constitutional rights of individuals.
In response, the Justice Department filed a notice of appeal, signaling the Trump administration’s intent to challenge the ruling in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. The Ninth Circuit, known for its liberal leaning, has frequently blocked policies from Republican administrations.
