Recent Challenge to Birthright Citizenship

March 28, 2025

Recent Challenge to Birthright Citizenship

Simply put, birthright citizenship is the legal principle that if someone is born in the U.S., they automatically are granted citizenship. This legal principle can be found in the Citizenship Clause doctrine, which is found in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. 


Recent Challenges to Birthright Citizenship


On January 20, 2025, President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14160, titled "Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship." This order sought to reinterpret the Citizenship Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment, aiming to end automatic birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. to non-citizen parents without legal permanent residency.


The executive order specifically targeted two groups:


  • Children born to mothers unlawfully present in the U.S., where the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.

  • Children born to mothers in the U.S. on temporary visas (such as student, work, or tourist visas), where the father is neither a U.S. citizen nor a lawful permanent resident.


The order stipulated that these provisions would apply to individuals born 30 days or more after its issuance, effectively from February 19, 2025.


Legal Challenges and Court Responses


The executive order faced immediate legal opposition. At least ten lawsuits were filed by various plaintiffs, including 22 state attorneys general, civil rights organizations, and immigrant advocacy groups, arguing that the order violated the Fourteenth Amendment. Several federal judges issued preliminary injunctions blocking its enforcement:

  • State of Washington v. Trump: On January 23, Judge John C. Coughenour issued a temporary block on the order, calling it "blatantly unconstitutional."

  • CASA Inc. v. Trump: On February 5, Judge Deborah Boardman issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, stating the order "conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment."

  • New Hampshire Indonesian Community Support v. Trump: On February 10, Judge Joseph N. Laplante issued a preliminary injunction blocking the order.

  • State of New Jersey v. Trump: On February 13, Judge Leo Sorokin issued a nationwide preliminary injunction, emphasizing that the Constitution "confers birthright citizenship broadly."

These judicial decisions underscore the robust legal challenges facing attempts to alter the longstanding interpretation of birthright citizenship.


Current Status and Future Outlook


As of March 7, 2025, the executive order remains unenforceable due to multiple nationwide injunctions. The Department of Justice has appealed these rulings, and the matter is expected to progress through the appellate courts, potentially reaching the U.S. Supreme Court for a definitive resolution. The ongoing legal battles highlight the complexities of interpreting constitutional provisions and the challenges of enacting significant changes to established citizenship laws.

In conclusion, birthright citizenship continues to be a foundational element of American identity. While recent executive actions have sought to redefine its scope, the judiciary has thus far upheld the traditional interpretation, ensuring that the U.S. remains one of the few nations to grant citizenship to nearly all individuals born on its soil.



Wheeler Law is available to answer any other questions you may have, and/or help you take the next steps to your, or your loved ones, future. At Wheeler Law, we find creative solutions to break down the barriers holding you, or a loved one, back from obtaining legal status in the United States. Call us now to schedule a consultation: (602) 586-5625. 


Follow us on
social media for more immigration tips.

March 28, 2025
En términos simples, la ciudadanía por nacimiento es el principio legal que establece que cualquier persona nacida en Estados Unidos obtiene automáticamente la ciudadanía. Este principio está respaldado por la Cláusula de Ciudadanía, que se encuentra en la Decimocuarta Enmienda de la Constitución política de los Estados Unidos.
March 21, 2025
Obtener un permiso de trabajo es un paso crucial para muchos inmigrantes que están en busca de un trabajo legal en los Estados Unidos. Es un camino para una oportunidad económica, una estabilidad, y la integración a la comunidad. Sin embargo, el proceso en el cual se otorga el permiso de trabajo viene a su vez con responsabilidades que demandan acogerse a unos estándares éticos. – no solamente para los aplicantes, sino también para los empleadores, profesionales legales y cualquiera involucrado en el proceso.
March 20, 2025
Obtaining a work permit is a critical step for many immigrants seeking lawful employment in the United States. It’s a pathway to economic opportunity, stability, and integration into the community. However, the work permit process comes with responsibilities that demand adherence to ethical standards—not just from applicants, but also from employers, legal professionals, and anyone involved in the process.
February 24, 2025
The adjustment of status process is a significant step in the immigration journey, marking the transition from temporary status to lawful permanent residency in the United States. While the process can be challenging, it’s also a profound moment of hope and transformation. For many, navigating this path becomes more manageable—and meaningful—when approached with unity and support from loved ones.
February 24, 2025
El proceso de ajuste de estatus es un paso importante en el proceso de inmigración, que marca la transición del estatus temporal a la residencia permanente legal en los Estados Unidos. Si bien el proceso puede ser un desafío, también es un momento profundo de esperanza y transformación. Para muchos, transitar este camino se vuelve más manejable y significativo cuando se lo aborda con unidad y apoyo de los seres queridos.
February 21, 2025
Tienes derechos constitucionales:
February 21, 2025
You have constitutional rights. They are discussed in this blog.
February 14, 2025
El 10 de enero de 2025, el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional anunció una extensión de 18 meses del Estatus de Protección Temporal (TPS) para Venezuela, que se extendería del 3 de abril de 2025 al 2 de octubre de 2026. Sin embargo,
February 14, 2025
On January 10, 2025, the Department of Homeland Security announced an 18-month extension of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Venezuela, set to run from April 3, 2025, to October 2, 2026. However,
January 31, 2025
The immigration journey is often filled with hopes, challenges, and uncertainties. For many, it represents a path to a better future — for themselves, their families, and generations to come. But as with any major life transition, it’s important to approach this process with preparation, knowledge, and a sense of security.
More Posts
Share by: