Attorney General Kwame Raoul has issued a statement following a federal judge's decision in Washington to grant a nationwide preliminary injunction. This legal action was part of a lawsuit initiated by Raoul and three other state attorneys general, challenging President Donald Trump's executive order that sought to end birthright citizenship.
Raoul expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating, "As I have previously indicated, the issue of birthright citizenship is a personal one to me. I am pleased the court has granted our request for a nationwide preliminary injunction and refused to let ‘the beacon of light’ that is the rule of law darken." He emphasized the historical significance of the 14th Amendment, which has guaranteed citizenship rights for individuals born in the United States for over 150 years.
The federal judge remarked on President Trump's approach to policy-making, noting, "It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals." The judge further underscored that presidential authority does not extend to bypassing constitutional mandates.
Raoul highlighted the critical role of legal professionals in this context: "The judge today recognized the importance of this moment in our world’s history when he said people will look back and ask, ‘Where were the lawyers? Where were the judges?’" He expressed pride in being part of a coalition working to uphold constitutional principles and thanked Attorney General Nick Brown for his leadership in this effort.
Raoul concluded by affirming his commitment to defending against what he termed as an unconstitutional order from President Trump.