Judge blocks Trump’s latest push to restrict birthright citizenship

Floyd Brenz., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 03, 2026

Photo Courtesy: AFP

A U.S. federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from enforcing its latest attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, dealing another setback to the president’s immigration agenda.

U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman issued a preliminary injunction in Maryland, ruling that the new executive order is likely unconstitutional.

The order, signed by Trump in August, sought to narrow birthright citizenship by targeting children whose parents fall under certain categories, including those involved in so-called “birth tourism.”

Boardman cited the 14th Amendment and existing Supreme Court precedent, which recognize citizenship for children born on U.S. soil, with limited exceptions.

The ruling came after immigrant families and advocacy groups challenged the administration’s policy, arguing that it could deny citizenship to children who are already protected under the Constitution.

For now, federal agencies are barred from enforcing the new restrictions against the class of children covered by the lawsuit, while the broader legal battle continues.

The decision marks another court challenge to Trump’s effort to reshape the long-standing principle of birthright citizenship and could push the issue back toward the Supreme Court.