Maryland Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
In a significant legal blow to former President Donald Trump’s efforts to reshape U.S. citizenship policies, a federal judge in Maryland has struck down his executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship. The ruling, issued on February 5, 2025, ensures that all children born in the United States—regardless of their parents’ immigration status—remain protected under the Constitution.
The executive order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” was signed by Trump just hours after he took office for his second term on January 20, 2025. It sought to alter the long-standing interpretation of the 14th Amendment, which guarantees citizenship to anyone born on U.S. soil. Under the order, federal agencies would have been required to deny citizenship benefits to children of undocumented immigrants or those with temporary legal status. The policy was set to take effect 30 days after its issuance.
The legal challenge to the order was swift. Advocacy groups, individual plaintiffs, and multiple states filed lawsuits in federal courts, arguing that the order violated the Constitution. The Maryland ruling, part of the case CASA v. Trump, was the first to issue a nationwide injunction, effectively halting the order’s implementation across the country. Additional universal injunctions followed in Washington state and Massachusetts, while a limited injunction in New Hampshire applied only to specific groups.
The Maryland court’s decision certified a class action, protecting all babies born in the U.S. after February 19, 2025. This move ensured that no child would be denied citizenship while legal challenges to the order continued. The rulings underscored the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship and reaffirmed the courts’ role in interpreting the law.
For now, the U.S. government remains obligated to recognize all babies born in the country as citizens. The overlapping injunctions apply universally, regardless of the state where a child is born. District courts and advocacy organizations have emphasized that these protections will remain in place as lawsuits and appeals progress.
The legal battle is far from over. While the Supreme Court narrowed some injunctions in June 2025, it has yet to rule on the constitutionality of Trump’s order. Final resolution may not come until 2026, but so far, every federal court that has reviewed the order has deemed it unconstitutional.
As the case moves through the courts, national civil rights groups, including the ACLU, continue to advocate for affected families. The ongoing litigation highlights the enduring debate over immigration and citizenship in the United States, with the courts serving as a critical check on executive power.
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Continued: Maryland Judge Blocks Trump’s Executive Order on Birthright Citizenship
Background of the Executive Order
President Trump’s executive order, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” was issued on January 20, 2025, just hours after he began his second term in office. The order aimed to reinterpret the 14th Amendment, which has long guaranteed citizenship to all individuals born on U.S. soil. Under the order, federal agencies would have been instructed to deny citizenship benefits to children born to parents who were unlawfully present in the country or had only temporary legal status. The policy was set to apply to babies born thirty days after its issuance.
Legal Challenges and Nationwide Injunctions
The executive order faced immediate legal challenges. Advocacy groups, individual plaintiffs, and multiple states filed lawsuits in federal courts, arguing that the order violated the Constitution. Within a month, several federal judges issued injunctions to block its implementation:
- On February 5, 2025, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman in Maryland issued the first universal (nationwide) injunction, preventing the order from taking effect anywhere in the country.
- Additional universal injunctions followed in Washington state and Massachusetts.
- A limited injunction was issued in New Hampshire, applying only to members of involved groups.
The Maryland ruling stemmed from the lawsuit CASA v. Trump, brought by the legal advocacy group ASAP and other plaintiffs. The court certified a class action, protecting all babies born in the U.S. after February 19, 2025, thereby safeguarding every child affected by the executive order.
Scope and Implications of the Ruling
Thanks to the overlapping injunctions, the U.S. government remains required to recognize all babies born in the country as citizens. The injunctions do not depend on the state where the child is born, and court decisions affirm the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment. District courts and advocacy organizations emphasize that these protections remain in place while lawsuits and appeals continue.
As of now, the executive order cannot be enforced anywhere in the U.S. due to these judicial rulings. The Supreme Court narrowed some injunctions in June 2025 but has not yet decided on the ultimate constitutionality of Trump’s order. Final resolution may not arrive until 2026, but every federal court so far has ruled the executive order unconstitutional.
What Happens Next?
Ongoing litigation continues to challenge the order, with national civil rights groups (including the ACLU) actively advocating for affected families. The courts may adjust injunctions as lawsuits progress, and the Supreme Court could potentially make the final decision regarding the executive order’s legality in 2026.
Key Points
- Trump’s executive order attempted to restrict birthright citizenship for children of certain immigrant parents.
- Federal judges nationwide have issued injunctions, blocking the order’s enforcement everywhere in the U.S.
- All babies born in the U.S. are currently protected and recognized as U.S. citizens under court orders.
- The legal fight is ongoing, with final Supreme Court review expected in 2026.
Conclusion
The Maryland judge’s ruling, along with other federal injunctions, has effectively blocked President Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship nationwide. These judicial decisions reaffirm the constitutional guarantee of citizenship under the 14th Amendment, ensuring that all babies born in the U.S. continue to be recognized as American citizens. While legal challenges and appeals are ongoing, the current court orders provide critical protections for affected families. The eventual Supreme Court decision, expected in 2026, will determine the ultimate fate of the executive order and its implications for birthright citizenship in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the current status of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship?
The executive order has been blocked nationwide by federal judges, including a Maryland judge, through injunctions. It cannot be enforced anywhere in the U.S. until further court rulings or a final decision by the Supreme Court.
Can the executive order be enforced anywhere in the U.S.?
No, the executive order cannot be enforced anywhere in the U.S. due to multiple federal injunctions, including a nationwide injunction issued by a Maryland judge.
Are babies born in the U.S. still considered citizens under the current court rulings?
Yes, all babies born in the U.S. are currently protected by court orders and are recognized as U.S. citizens under the 14th Amendment.
What happens next in the legal process?
The legal challenges are ongoing, with civil rights groups and federal courts continuing to address the constitutionality of the executive order. The Supreme Court is expected to make a final decision in 2026.
Will the Supreme Court ultimately decide the fate of the executive order?
Yes, the Supreme Court is expected to review the case and make a final decision regarding the constitutionality of the executive order, likely by 2026.
