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
KTLA brutally fires top reporter on her 40th birthday — as she releases cryptic podcast message

Top KTLA Journalist Let Go on Milestone Birthday Amid Mysterious Podcast Remarks

In a shocking turn of events, KTLA has terminated one of its…
Heart stopping moment skier is rescued after being buried alive under mount of snow in Lake Tahoe

Dramatic Ski Rescue: Skier Saved from Snow Burial in Lake Tahoe

A near disaster was averted at a Lake Tahoe resort when two…
Markey: GOP Lawmakers Will 'Run' Away from Trump's Tariffs

Markey Predicts GOP Legislators Will Distance Themselves from Trump’s Tariff Policies

On a recent episode of MS NOW’s “The Weeknight,” Senator Ed Markey…
Toddler flees in terror as coyote chases him outside California family home in broad daylight

Heart-Stopping Moment: Coyote Chases Toddler Outside California Home in Daylight Drama

A toddler experienced a terrifying encounter with a coyote just outside his…
'Mentally deranged' Ilhan Omar, Rashida Tlaib should 'be institutionalized' for SOTU antics: Trump

Trump Criticizes Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, Suggesting Institutionalization Over State of the Union Conduct

During his State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, President Trump…
Ex-Air Force pilot who allegedly trained Chinese military pilots arrested

Former U.S. Air Force Pilot Detained for Allegedly Assisting Chinese Military: Unveiling the Controversy

The U.S. Justice Department revealed on Wednesday the arrest of a former…
Nancy Guthrie suspect's digital ‘blackout’ may be key to case, says expert who probed Kohberger phone

Digital ‘Blackout’ of Nancy Guthrie Suspect Could Be Crucial to Investigation, Expert Says

TUCSON, Ariz. — The mysterious disappearance of Nancy Guthrie might be unraveled…
Murder suspect in Baltimore robbery spree was on probation, records show

Probation Loophole: Baltimore Robbery Spree Murder Suspect Slipped Through System

A man from Baltimore is facing serious charges of first-degree murder and…
NYC social services spending has ballooned 50% since COVID: state budget chief

NYC Social Services Budget Surges by 50% Since Pandemic: Insights from State Budget Chief

New York City’s social services budget has surged by over 50% since…
Kim Jong Un calls South Korea ‘most hostile enemy,’ says North could ‘completely destroy’ it

Kim Jong Un Labels South Korea as ‘Most Hostile Enemy,’ Threatens Complete Destruction

In a stark escalation of rhetoric, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un…
DNA is still pending as volunteers find another glove in the search for Nancy Guthrie

Authorities Set to Restore Nancy Guthrie’s Home to Family, Reports Confirm

Authorities are making arrangements to return Nancy Guthrie’s residence in the Tucson…
Asking Eric: Longtime friends leave couple out of annual vacation

Left Out of the Fun: What to Do When Friends Exclude You from Their Annual Vacation

Dear Eric, For several years now, our family has enjoyed the tradition…