In a significant ruling, a US federal judge has blocked the implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship in the United States. The order, which was set to take effect nationwide on February 19, has been indefinitely halted by District Judge Deborah Boardman.

Judge Boardman emphasized that denying birthright citizenship would cause irreparable harm, conflicting with the plain language of the 14th Amendment. This amendment, ratified in 1868, guarantees citizenship to anyone born in the United States. Boardman stated, “The denial of the precious right to citizenship will cause irreparable harm. No court in the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation”.

This ruling follows a similar decision by a federal judge in Washington state, who issued a 14-day stay on the order in January. Judge John Coughenour had described the measure as “blatantly unconstitutional,” prompting Trump to announce his intention to appeal.

The legal challenge centers on the 14th Amendment, with Trump’s executive order arguing that individuals in the country illegally or on temporary visas are not subject to US jurisdiction and therefore not entitled to citizenship. However, Judge Boardman’s ruling asserts that this interpretation is not supported by any court in the country.

The White House has not yet responded to the ruling, but it is expected to appeal the decision. The case may ultimately be heard by the US Supreme Court.