Judge Blocks Trump's Order to End Birthright Citizenship: 'Blatantly Unconstitutional'

What Happened?

A federal judge on Thursday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order to end the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship.

Senior U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour ruled his order to block the controversial policy from taking effect for 14 days after hearing arguments from the states of Washington, Arizona, Illinois, and Oregon who sought to block the measure.

'I’ve been on the bench for over four decades,' said Judge Coughenour, an appointee of former President Ronald Reagan. 'I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one. This is a blatantly unconstitutional order.'

A total of five lawsuits so far have been reportedly filed by 22 states that argue the executive order is a flagrant violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The order was issued Monday by President Trump on his first day in office.

A lawsuit was swiftly filed in federal court in Massachusetts one day later after Trump announced the measures that focused on immigration and the U.S. southern border.

In addition to ending birthright citizenship, the deployment of armed forces would be available if needed along the border.

The order also included the end of 'catch and release,' where asylum seekers will have to wait for their claim to be processed in Mexico behind 'physical barriers.'

Why it Matters

Trump's administration said its decision behind these efforts point to a rise in deadly narcotics and other criminal organizations that have flowed across the U.S. border illegally.

The White House said in a statement, 'We have limited information on the precise whereabouts of a great number of these illegal aliens who have entered the United States over the last four years.'

Washington Assistant Attorney General Lane Polozola reportedly told Judge Coughenour during the hearing, 'Under this order, babies being born today don't count as U.S. citizens.'

Any child born after Feb. 19 whose parents are not citizens or lawful permanent residents would be subject to deportation and prevented from obtaining Social Security numbers under the order.

The Democratic-led states argued more than 150,000 newborn children would be denied citizenship annually if the order was to stand, according to reports.

Arizona Senator Ruben Gallego previously spoke out after the president's pledge to end birthright citizenship was made.

In a social media post, Sen. Gallego said, 'Ending birthright citizenship is anti-American and unconstitutional. Plain and simple.'

How it Affects You

Government officials like Sen. Gallego have acknowledged the need to address the nation's 'broken immigration system and secure the border.'

But stated executive actions like this run contrary to the ideals of what makes America great.

This is the first judicial action that will likely set off an ongoing legal battle between more states and the new Trump administration that aims to move fast in agenda plans.