A federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction against President Trump's executive order on birthright citizenship, following a request from Attorney General Mayes. The ruling prevents the federal government from denying birthright citizenship to children of immigrants.
The decision was made during a hearing that is part of a multistate lawsuit filed on January 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. The lawsuit was brought by Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois.
"Today’s ruling is a win for the Constitution and the rule of law," stated Attorney General Mayes. "The court’s decision to block this illegal executive order nationwide protects the basic right to birthright citizenship guaranteed by the 14th Amendment. I will keep fighting to protect the Constitutional rights of all Arizonans from the Trump administration’s illegal actions."
The complaint argues that President Trump's executive order contravenes both the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. According to Mayes, if implemented, it would prevent thousands of newborns and children born in Arizona each year from fully participating in American society as citizens.
President Trump is accused of exceeding his legal authority with this executive order. Its enforcement could negatively impact thousands in Arizona and affect state programs supported by federal funding.