Judge Upholds Nationwide Block on Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order

A federal judge in Massachusetts has upheld a nationwide injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship. U.S. District Judge Leo Sorokin ruled Friday that maintaining the injunction is the only way to fully protect the coalition of 22 Democratic-led states and immigrant rights groups challenging the policy.

Trump’s executive order, signed January 20, denies U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil unless at least one parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Opponents argue the policy violates the 14th Amendment’s citizenship clause, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States.

Sorokin rejected the Trump administration’s request for a narrower ruling, citing ongoing harm if the policy were enforced during litigation. The decision follows a June Supreme Court ruling that limited broad injunctions but left room for exceptions in certain cases. Similar nationwide blocks have been issued in related lawsuits, including a New Hampshire class action and a federal appeals court ruling in California declaring the order unconstitutional.

The White House criticized the ruling, with spokeswoman Abigail Jackson stating courts were “misinterpreting” the Constitution and expressing confidence in winning on appeal. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin welcomed the decision, emphasizing that “American-born babies are American.”

Democratic states warned that allowing the order to take effect selectively would create confusion, strain federal programs like Medicaid, and prompt migration between states with differing rules. Trump’s measure is part of his broader immigration crackdown since returning to office.

The case is expected to advance through appeals, with the nationwide injunction remaining in force for now, preserving automatic citizenship rights for U.S.-born children amid ongoing legal battles.