Setback for Donald Trump as US appeals court blocks effort to end birthright citizenship

A major legal blow has been dealt to former US President Donald Trump’s immigration agenda after a federal appeals court in Boston struck down his executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship. The ruling, delivered on Friday, October 3, blocks Trump’s January directive that aimed to restrict automatic US citizenship for children born on American soil to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders, according to The Hill.

Court upholds 14th Amendment protections

The First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a district court’s nationwide injunction, stressing that plaintiffs were likely to prevail in proving the order unlawful. The three-judge panel emphasized that the 14th Amendment’s Citizenship Clause guarantees birthright citizenship to anyone born in the United States, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.

“The lessons of history give us every reason to be wary of blessing this most recent effort to break with our established tradition,” the judges wrote in their 100-page opinion. This decision marks the fifth time since June that federal courts have rejected or blocked attempts to implement Trump’s order.

Historical and constitutional references

In its ruling, the court referenced significant cases in US legal history, including the Dred Scott case before the Civil War and the 1898 Wong Kim Ark decision, which confirmed that children born in the US to immigrant parents are citizens. “Our nation’s history of efforts to restrict birthright citizenship has not been a proud one,” the court observed.

Strong reactions from states and civil rights groups

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California Attorney General Rob Bonta welcomed the judgment, noting that nearly 20 states had challenged the executive order. “The First Circuit reaffirmed what we already knew: the President’s attack on birthright citizenship flagrantly defies the 14th Amendment,” Bonta said.

Civil liberties organizations echoed similar sentiments. The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire, representing several plaintiffs, declared: “Our Constitution is clear: no politician can decide who among those born in this country is worthy of citizenship.”

Trump administration’s push for Supreme Court review

Despite repeated legal defeats, the Trump administration vowed to continue its fight. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said: “The court is misinterpreting the 14th Amendment. We look forward to being vindicated by the Supreme Court.”

The Justice Department has already petitioned the Supreme Court to take up the case, setting the stage for a potentially landmark decision as early as next summer. Until then, existing injunctions remain in place, ensuring that birthright citizenship continues as guaranteed under US law since 1868.