Federal judge signals nationwide block of Trump’s birthright citizenship order

Thursday 17 July 2025 - 09:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Federal judge signals nationwide block of Trump’s birthright citizenship order

A Maryland federal judge, Deborah Boardman, has indicated her readiness to block former President Donald Trump’s controversial executive order restricting birthright citizenship, potentially applying the ruling nationwide. This comes as the issue gains momentum on its path to the Supreme Court.

Class action status and preliminary injunction

Judge Boardman stated on Wednesday that she would grant class action status to all children impacted by the order and issue a preliminary injunction to prevent its implementation. However, she refrained from issuing an immediate ruling. Her earlier decision to block the order is currently under review by the Fourth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, and she emphasized that deferring to the appellate process would enhance judicial efficiency.

This case follows a similar ruling issued last week by U.S. District Judge Joseph LaPlante in New Hampshire. LaPlante granted a preliminary injunction and certified a class action lawsuit that includes all children affected by the order. His ruling also imposed a seven-day stay, allowing time for appeals.

Supreme Court implications

The legal battles surrounding Trump’s January executive order place the matter on a fast track to the Supreme Court. The justices are expected to determine whether the order aligns with their recent decision limiting the scope of nationwide injunctions. Last month, the court ruled that district judges generally lack authority to impose universal injunctions but left open the possibility of achieving similar outcomes through class action lawsuits.

If upheld, Trump’s order would deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. to parents residing in the country illegally or temporarily, challenging a longstanding interpretation of the 14th Amendment.