Judge Blocks Trump's Birthright Citizenship Order After Supreme Court Ruling

Federal Judge Halts Enforcement of Executive Order on Citizenship

On July 10, 2025, a federal district judge in Washington, D.C., issued a nationwide injunction blocking the enforcement of former President Donald Trump's executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship for children born to non-citizen parents on U.S. soil. The decision follows last month's landmark Supreme Court ruling affirming the constitutional guarantee of citizenship for all individuals born in the United States.

Background: The Executive Order and Legal Challenge

In late 2024, the Trump administration issued an executive order directing federal agencies to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to undocumented immigrants and certain non-citizen parents. The policy drew immediate legal challenges from civil rights groups, advocacy organizations, and several states, who argued it violated the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause.

Supreme Court Upholds Birthright Citizenship

On June 17, 2025, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in United States v. Doe that the Fourteenth Amendment guarantees citizenship to "all persons born or naturalized in the United States," regardless of their parents’ immigration status. The majority opinion emphasized longstanding precedent and legislative history supporting birthright citizenship since the post-Civil War era.

District Court Issues Injunction

In light of the Supreme Court's decision, U.S. District Judge Karen Martinez concluded that the Trump executive order was "clearly unconstitutional and unenforceable." The injunction prevents federal agencies from implementing any measures that would deny citizenship based on parental status, pending further proceedings. The Department of Justice has indicated it will comply with the order.

Widespread Impact and Reactions

• Immigration advocates hailed the injunction as a major victory for immigrant rights and constitutional protections.
• State officials in California, New York, and Texas noted the ruling provides clarity for vital records and public services.
• Legal experts say the combined court decisions close the door on executive efforts to restrict birthright citizenship without a constitutional amendment.

The ruling is expected to have far-reaching implications for millions of U.S.-born children and their families, reinforcing the principle of jus soli citizenship enshrined in American law for over 150 years.

What Comes Next

With the Supreme Court’s decision and the federal injunction now in place, any future changes to birthright citizenship would require a constitutional amendment—an extremely high bar given current political divisions. Civil rights organizations are calling for legislative efforts to further protect the rights of U.S.-born citizens amid ongoing debates over immigration policy.