New Hampshire judge to pause Trump's birthright citizenship order
Share this @internewscast.com

A federal judge in New Hampshire announced on Thursday that he will certify a class action lawsuit that encompasses all children who could be impacted by President Donald Trump’s executive order intended to end birthright citizenship. The judge also plans to issue a preliminary injunction to block this order.

Judge Joseph LaPlante revealed his decision after an hour-long hearing and mentioned that a written order would soon follow. This order will include a seven-day pause giving time for appeal, he added.

The class is slightly narrower than that sought by the plaintiffs, who originally included parents as plaintiffs.

This legal action was initiated on behalf of a pregnant woman, two parents, and their infants and is part of several lawsuits opposing Trump’s order from January, which denies citizenship to children born to parents residing illegally or temporarily in the U.S. The plaintiffs are represented by the American Civil Liberties Union along with other parties.

At issue is the Constitution’s 14th Amendment, which states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States.” The Trump administration says the phrase “subject to the jurisdiction thereof” means the U.S. can deny citizenship to babies born to women in the country illegally, ending what has been seen as an intrinsic part of U.S. law for more than a century.

“Prior misimpressions of the citizenship clause have created a perverse incentive for illegal immigration that has negatively impacted this country’s sovereignty, national security, and economic stability,” government lawyers wrote in the New Hampshire case.

LaPlante, who had issued a narrow injunction in a similar case, said while he didn’t consider the government’s arguments frivolous, he found them unpersuasive. He said his decision to issue an injunction was “not a close call” and that deprivation of U.S. citizenship clearly amounted to irreparable harm.

Cody Wofsy, an attorney for the plaintiffs, and his team have been inundated by families who are confused and fearful about the executive order, he said. Thursday’s ruling “is going to protect every single child around the country from this lawless, unconstitutional and cruel executive order,” he said.

Several federal judges had issued nationwide injunctions stopping Trump’s order from taking effect, but the U.S. Supreme Court limited those injunctions in a June 27 ruling that gave lower courts 30 days to act. With that time frame in mind, opponents of the change quickly returned to court to try to block it.

In a Washington state case before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, the judges have asked the parties to write briefs explaining the effect of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Washington and the other states in that lawsuit have asked the appeals court to return the case to the lower court judge.

As in New Hampshire, a plaintiff in Maryland seeks to organize a class-action lawsuit that includes every person who would be affected by the order. The judge set a Wednesday deadline for written legal arguments as she considers the request for another nationwide injunction from CASA, a nonprofit immigrant rights organization.

Ama Frimpong, legal director at CASA, said the group has been stressing to its members and clients that it is not time to panic.

“No one has to move states right this instant,” she said. “There’s different avenues through which we are all fighting, again, to make sure that this executive order never actually sees the light of day.”

The New Hampshire plaintiffs, referred to only by pseudonyms, include a woman from Honduras who has a pending asylum application and is due to give birth to her fourth child in October. She told the court the family came to the U.S. after being targeted by gangs.

“I do not want my child to live in fear and hiding. I do not want my child to be a target for immigration enforcement,” she wrote. “I fear our family could be at risk of separation.”

Another plaintiff, a man from Brazil, has lived with his wife in Florida for five years. Their first child was born in March, and they are in the process of applying for lawful permanent status based on family ties – his wife’s father is a U.S. citizen.

“My baby has the right to citizenship and a future in the United States,” he wrote.

Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Bad Bunny uses Grammy win to deliver anti-ICE message week before Super Bowl performance

Bad Bunny’s Grammy Triumph Amplifies Anti-ICE Message Ahead of Super Bowl Spotlight

He emphasized the importance of recognizing our shared humanity and urged viewers…
Masked agitators mob female reporter during DTLA anti-ICE protests

Shocking Incident: Female Reporter Mobbed by Masked Agitators at DTLA Anti-ICE Protest

A dramatic video captured a group of masked anti-ICE protesters confronting a…
Jacksonville's overnight warming center to open Monday through Friday during cold front

Stay Warm: Discover First Coast Warming Centers Open Amid Record Cold Snap

In Jacksonville, the Legends Center will remain open overnight through Monday, February…
SNAP changes 2026: Work requirements impacting eligibility for benefits takes effect, worrying Illinois recipients, food banks

New SNAP Rules in 2026: How Work Requirement Changes Could Affect Illinois Residents and Food Banks

CHICAGO (WLS) — Significant adjustments to SNAP eligibility have just been implemented.…
Report: 'Crazy' MS-13 Gang Member Linked to 5 Murders Arrested in VA

Infamous MS-13 Gang Member Tied to Five Homicides Captured in Virginia Operation

In a significant operation, officials from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)…
ICE halts ‘all movement’ due to measles at Texas detention center that held 5-year-old, dad

Measles Outbreak Halts Operations at Texas ICE Detention Center, Impacting Families

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has implemented a complete lockdown at the…
Knicks’ Landry Shamet delivers another 3-point barrage in win vs. Lakers

Landry Shamet’s Three-Point Masterclass Leads Knicks to Victory Over Lakers

Landry Shamet’s place on this year’s Knicks roster was far from assured.…
Chicago shootings this weekend: At least 10 shot, 2 fatally, in gun violence across city, police department says

Breaking News: Peoria County Deputy Injured in South Western Avenue Traffic Stop Shooting

A sheriff’s deputy from central Illinois was wounded in a shooting that…
Ukraine races to bolster air defenses as Putin’s strike pause nears end

Ukraine Accelerates Air Defense Preparations as Putin’s Ceasefire Winds Down

As a temporary lull in Russian aerial attacks on Kyiv and other…
Savannah Guthrie's mother reported missing from Arizona home, authorities say

Urgent Search Underway: Savannah Guthrie’s Mother Missing from Arizona Residence

Authorities are currently unsure whether foul play is involved in her disappearance,…
Israel, Egypt coordinate reopening of Rafah Crossing in test before Gaza residents allowed through

Israel and Egypt Collaborate to Reopen Rafah Crossing: Key Test Phase for Gaza Residents

On Sunday, Israel and Egypt conducted an initial trial to reopen the…
Cremona, Italy preserves centuries-old craft at the birthplace of the violin

Cremona, Italy: Safeguarding the Timeless Artistry of Violin Craftsmanship

The city’s rich tradition of master craftsmanship, its storied museum, and the…