Court blocks Trump's bid to limit birthright citizenship
The appellate court in San Francisco rejected the request from the US Department of Justice, which sought the immediate reinstatement of an executive order issued by President Donald Trump, limiting the right to American citizenship.
This decree aimed to restrict the right to citizenship for children born in the USA if their mothers are in the country illegally and their fathers are neither citizens nor permanent residents.
The situation requires urgent intervention
Legal experts cited by NBC News indicate that Trump’s order is contrary to the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. This amendment guarantees citizenship to every child born on US soil. The court found that the department did not present sufficient evidence to win this case.
Judge Danielle Forrest, appointed during Trump’s first term, questioned the department's argument that the situation requires urgent intervention.
"It is routine for both executive and legislative policies to be challenged in court, particularly where a new policy is a significant shift from prior understanding and practice," she emphasised.
According to NBC News, Wednesday's ruling is the first in which an appellate court addressed Trump's decision regarding birthright citizenship. The Department of Justice may appeal to the US Supreme Court.
