Judge Blocks Trump's Order to End Birthright Citizenship
Judge Blocks Trump's Order to End Birthright Citizenship
A federal judge has ruled that President Donald Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship is unconstitutional. The decision was made by Judge John Coughenour, who issued a temporary restraining order to prevent the policy from taking effect. This ruling came after an emergency request from Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown and three other Democratic-led states.
Legal Challenge
The states argue that Trump's order violates the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to all children born on US soil. Lane Polozola, representing Washington, emphasized that "births cannot be paused" and warned of the negative impacts on children denied citizenship. The states also highlighted the financial burden on state programs if birthright citizenship ends.
Trump Administration's Defense
The Trump administration contends that the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" allows the exclusion of children of undocumented immigrants and those without permanent status. Justice Department attorney Brett Shumate requested more time for briefing, arguing against a quick decision.
Doubts Revealed
Birthright Citizenship
Birthright citizenship means that if you are born in a country, you automatically become a citizen of that country. In the US, this is a right given by the 14th Amendment.
Executive Order
An executive order is a rule or command that the President of the United States can give to the government. It has the power of a law but does not need approval from the Congress.
Unconstitutional
Unconstitutional means something that does not follow the rules set by the Constitution, which is the highest law in the United States.
14th Amendment
The 14th Amendment is a part of the US Constitution that, among other things, grants citizenship to all persons born or naturalized in the United States.
Temporary Restraining Order
A temporary restraining order is a short-term order issued by a judge to stop someone from doing something until a full hearing can be held.
Jurisdiction Clauses
Jurisdiction clauses refer to parts of the law that determine which court has the authority to hear a case or make legal decisions.
Federal Judge
A federal judge is a judge who works in the federal court system, which deals with issues that affect the entire country, not just one state.
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