Former US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has weighed in on the recent federal judge ruling that blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order to end birthright citizenship for children of migrants.
Pelosi tweeted, “If you’re born in America, you’re an American. Period.”
President Trump signed an executive order on January 20, seeking to terminate birthright citizenship for babies born to non-US citizens or lawful permanent residents. However, US District Judge John C. Coughenour temporarily blocked the order on January 23, citing its unconstitutionality.
During a hearing in Seattle, Judge Coughenour interrupted Justice Department attorney Brett Schumate, emphasizing the administration’s order was “blatantly unconstitutional.” Coughenour, who has served on the bench for over four decades, stated, “I’ve been on the bench for four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is”.
The judge’s ruling was in response to a lawsuit filed by Oregon, Arizona, Illinois, and Washington state, which argued that the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution guarantees citizenship for individuals born in the United States. The temporary restraining order prevents federal agencies from implementing Trump’s executive order while the case is under review.
