A major legal decision unfolded Thursday as U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order that aimed to end birthright citizenship for children born in the United States to parents living in the country illegally or temporarily.
Judge LaPlante’s Ruling
After an hour-long hearing, Judge LaPlante announced his decision to halt the order, stating a written order would follow and including a seven-day stay to allow the government time to appeal. The judge also indicated he would certify a class action lawsuit to include all children affected by the executive order, though the class will be slightly narrower than what the plaintiffs originally sought.
LaPlante emphasized that the deprivation of U.S. citizenship would cause “irreparable harm” and said his decision to issue the injunction was “not a close call.” He acknowledged the government’s arguments but found them unpersuasive.
Background and National Impact
Trump’s executive order, signed in January, sought to deny citizenship to children born on U.S. soil if their parents were in the country illegally or only temporarily. This move challenged the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States” regardless of parental immigration status.
Multiple federal judges had already issued nationwide injunctions to stop the order from taking effect, but a recent Supreme Court ruling on June 27 limited the scope of such injunctions, giving lower courts 30 days to act. This prompted a flurry of legal activity as opponents of the executive order rushed back to court to seek protection for affected families.
Reaction From Plaintiffs and Legal Experts
Cody Wofsy, an attorney representing the plaintiffs, said the ruling would protect “every single child around the country from this lawless, unconstitutional and cruel executive order.” Families across the U.S. have reportedly been confused and fearful about the potential impact of Trump’s policy.
The lawsuit in New Hampshire was filed on behalf of a pregnant woman, two parents, and their infants, reflecting the widespread concern among immigrant families. Similar legal challenges are ongoing in other states, with courts considering whether to grant additional nationwide injunctions.
What’s Next?
The seven-day stay on Judge LaPlante’s order allows the government to appeal, likely sending the case to the federal appeals court in Boston and potentially back to the Supreme Court. Legal experts say the fast-moving developments could set up another major showdown over the meaning of the 14th Amendment and the rights of children born in the United States.
This ruling marks another setback for Trump’s hardline immigration policies and highlights the ongoing legal and political battles over citizenship and constitutional rights in America.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available.