Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has criticized a federal judge’s temporary block of President Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for US children born to non-citizen or undocumented parents.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour on Thursday, January 23, came after a lawsuit was filed by several states, including Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, and Washington, challenging Trump’s directive.
The executive order, signed by President Trump on January 20, sought to end birthright citizenship, a constitutional right under the 14th Amendment, for children born to parents who are neither U.S. citizens nor lawful permanent residents.
Judge Coughenour’s decision blocks the federal government from enforcing the order, citing concerns that it is “blatantly unconstitutional.”
The judge, who has been on the bench for four decades, described the order as one of the clearest constitutional violations he has encountered.
“I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is,” he remarked during a hearing in Seattle, adding, “Where were the judges? Where were the lawyers?” in reference to the potential harm to citizens’ rights.
The temporary restraining order issued by Judge Coughenour prevents the federal government from implementing Trump’s executive order while the case continues to be reviewed in court.
The ruling has been widely celebrated by immigration advocates who argue that birthright citizenship is an essential part of the nation’s identity and legal framework.
In response to the court’s decision, Pelosi took to Twitter to reaffirm her stance on birthright citizenship, stating, “If you’re born in America, you’re an American. Period.”
Pelosi, a long-time advocate for immigrant rights, has criticized the Trump administration’s immigration policies, calling the birthright citizenship ban an attack on families and a move that violates American values.