Federal judge issues nationwide block against Trump’s order on ending birthright citizenship

Good morning, I'm Choi Chi-hee, and this is The World Now.

Beginning in the United States, a federal judge in New Hampshire has issued a nationwide preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship.

Judge Joseph Laplante ruled on Thursday that when such an order is in effect, it would prevent tens of thousands of newborns, an estimated 150,000 annually, from obtaining automatic citizenship, violating the 14th Amendment's guarantee.

The judge referenced the Supreme Court's recent guidance that limits the use of nationwide injunctions but allows class-action mechanisms to protect constitutional rights.

The judge also certified a class-action lawsuit on behalf of U.S.-born children who will be impacted.

The injunction applies to all U.S.-born children after February 20, 2025.

Supporters of birthright citizenship hailed the decision, while the White House called it judicially excessive.