A federal judge has delivered a landmark ruling, declaring former President Donald Trump's attempt to end birthright citizenship in the US unconstitutional. The decision marks a significant victory for advocates of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on American soil.
The Legal Battle Over Birthright Citizenship
The case stemmed from a 2025 executive order signed by Trump, which sought to reinterpret the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment. The order aimed to deny automatic citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants born in the US.
However, US District Judge Sarah Morrison ruled that the president does not have the authority to unilaterally overturn constitutional provisions. "The 14th Amendment's language is clear," she wrote in her decision. "Citizenship for those born in the United States is not a policy choice - it's a constitutional right."
Implications for US Immigration Policy
The ruling has immediate consequences for:
- Thousands of children born to undocumented parents annually
- Future immigration policy debates
- The balance of power between the executive and judicial branches
Legal experts suggest this decision may discourage future presidents from attempting similar constitutional reinterpretations through executive action.
Political Reactions
The ruling has drawn mixed reactions across the political spectrum:
Democrats have largely praised the decision as a victory for constitutional rights, while Republican leaders have criticized it as judicial overreach. Trump himself has vowed to appeal the decision, calling it "a betrayal of American sovereignty."
Immigration advocacy groups celebrated the ruling, with one spokesperson stating: "This affirms that the Constitution protects all people equally, regardless of their parents' status."
What Comes Next?
The case is expected to move to the appellate courts, with legal analysts predicting it may eventually reach the Supreme Court. The ruling maintains the status quo of birthright citizenship for now, but the legal battle appears far from over.
