Federal judges block Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship

Four federal judges have blocked President Trump's order on birthright citizenship. The order, signed on January 20, would have stopped automatic citizenship for babies born in the United States if neither parent was a citizen or permanent resident.

Judges in Maryland, Seattle, New Hampshire, and Boston all issued rulings against the order between late January and early February 2025. The Maryland judge acted first, blocking the order from taking effect on February 19. The other judges followed within days.

Birthright citizenship has been part of American law for around 250 years. The Supreme Court also rejected a similar Trump attempt in June 2024. The Trump administration is expected to appeal the rulings, and the legal process could take years.