PHOENIX – A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order seeking to end birthright citizenship, granting a preliminary injunction in a case led by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes. The ruling prevents the federal government from denying citizenship to children of immigrants born in the United States.
The decision came as part of a multistate lawsuit filed on January 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois argued that the executive order violated the 14th Amendment and the federal Immigration and Nationality Act.
“Today’s ruling is a win for the Constitution and the rule of law,” said Attorney General Mayes. “The court’s decision to block this illegal executive order nationwide protects the basic right to birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. I will keep fighting to protect the Constitutional rights of all Arizonans from the Trump administration’s illegal actions.”
Had it gone into effect, the executive order would have stripped thousands of newborns in Arizona of their legal U.S. citizenship, potentially denying them access to education, healthcare, and fundamental rights. It also would have significantly impacted federally funded programs that Arizona relies on to support its residents.
The judge’s ruling ensures that birthright citizenship remains protected while the lawsuit proceeds. Legal experts expect a lengthy court battle, but the ruling delivers a significant setback to Trump’s immigration agenda.
