Federal Judge Blocks Trump’s Birthright Citizenship Order, Calls It Unconstitutional

A second federal judge has indefinitely blocked former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at restricting birthright citizenship, issuing a strong rebuke of the administration’s attempt to impose such a policy during a court hearing on Thursday.

“It has become ever more apparent that, to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals. The rule of law is, according to him, something to navigate around or simply ignore, whether that be for political or personal gain,” stated U.S. District Judge John Coughenour while delivering his ruling.

Coughenour, who was appointed by former President Ronald Reagan, emphasized his commitment to upholding the legal framework. “Nevertheless, in this courtroom and under my watch, the rule of law is a bright beacon which I intend to follow,” he asserted.

Previously, the judge had issued a temporary halt on Trump’s executive order, but that ruling was set to expire on Thursday after two weeks. This time, he granted a nationwide preliminary injunction, effectively blocking the executive order as requested by four Democratic state attorneys general and a group of private plaintiffs.

Coughenour made his decision after hearing arguments for less than 20 minutes. He referenced his past work in the former Soviet Union to underscore the importance of maintaining judicial independence and legal integrity.

“I said this two weeks ago, and I’ll say it again today: There are moments in the world’s history when people look back and ask, ‘Where were the lawyers, where were the judges?’ In these moments, the rule of law becomes especially vulnerable. I refuse to let that beacon go dark today,” he remarked.

The executive order, signed by Trump on his first day in office, sought to limit birthright citizenship so that it would not apply to children born in the U.S. to parents who lacked permanent legal status. The order was among several immigration-related measures introduced in the administration’s early weeks.

Trump’s policy has already been challenged in nine separate lawsuits, with critics arguing that it contradicts long-standing Supreme Court interpretations of the 14th Amendment’s birthright citizenship guarantee, which has been understood to allow only a few exceptions.

“This case turns on the critical phrase ‘subject to the jurisdiction thereof’ in the Citizenship Clause. On that issue, plaintiffs offer a construction of that phrase that is demonstrably and unequivocally incorrect,” contended Drew Ensign, a deputy assistant attorney general, during Thursday’s hearing.

Coughenour’s decision follows a similar ruling by a federal judge in Maryland on Wednesday, who also issued an injunction against the executive order. Additional hearings related to the issue are scheduled to take place in Boston on Friday and Concord, New Hampshire, on Monday as other lawsuits proceed.

The rulings issued this week will remain in effect indefinitely, preventing the enforcement of Trump’s executive order on birthright citizenship until the cases are fully litigated.

However, Coughenour left little doubt regarding his perspective on the legality of the policy.

“The Constitution is not something with which the government may play policy games. If the government wants to change the exceptional American grant of birthright citizenship, it needs to amend the Constitution itself,” he declared.

“That’s how our Constitution works, and that’s how the rule of law works. Because the president’s order attempts to circumscribe this process, it is clearly unconstitutional,” he concluded.

Trump Orders Review and Funding Cuts for Key UN Organizations

President Donald Trump has issued an Executive Order directing increased scrutiny of three United Nations entities: the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), and the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

The order formally confirms the United States’ withdrawal from the UNHRC and suspends all future financial contributions to UNRWA. Additionally, it calls for an expedited review of UNESCO to examine whether the organization has demonstrated “anti-Israel bias.”

Under the directive, Secretary of State Marco Rubio must also assess and report on “international organizations, conventions, or treaties” that may foster radical ideologies or sentiments deemed “anti-American.”

Raising concerns about UNRWA’s alleged affiliations with terrorist activities, the order claims the agency has engaged in “anti-Semitic and anti-Israel” actions. It refers to reports that certain UNRWA personnel were involved in the October 7th attacks against Israel and highlights the use of the agency’s facilities by Hamas and other militant groups for stockpiling weapons and constructing tunnels.

“UNRWA has reportedly been infiltrated by members of groups long designated by the Secretary of State (Secretary) as foreign terrorist organizations, and UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel,” the order states. It further criticizes the UNHRC for providing cover to human rights violators and accuses UNESCO of displaying a persistent anti-Israel stance over the past decade.

The order instructs the Secretary of State to formally inform the UN Secretary-General, as well as the leadership of UNRWA and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, that the U.S. will no longer contribute funds to UNRWA or the UNHRC. Additionally, it declares that the United States will not “satisfy any claims to pay 2025 assessments or prior arrears by these organizations.”

Furthermore, the directive specifies that the U.S. will not take part in the UNHRC’s activities or seek a seat on the Council. The Secretary of State has been tasked with shutting down the Office of the U.S. Representative to the UNHRC and eliminating all associated positions.

Regarding UNESCO, the order mandates a comprehensive review of U.S. membership, which must be completed within 90 days. This assessment will be led by the Secretary of State in coordination with the U.S. Ambassador to the UN.

Modi to Visit US, Meet Trump Amid Trade and Immigration Discussions

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit the United States next week for a meeting with President Donald Trump, according to a statement from the White House.

Reports indicate that Modi will also attend a dinner hosted by the US president during his two-day visit. However, the exact dates of the official working visit have not yet been disclosed.

The Indian leader will be one of the first foreign dignitaries to meet Trump at the White House following the start of his second term. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently in Washington, while Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba is expected to arrive later this week.

During Trump’s first term, he and Modi shared a strong rapport. Last week, the two leaders engaged in what the White House described as a “productive” phone conversation, discussing issues such as illegal immigration, security, and trade relations.

Analysts believe it will be crucial to see whether this cordial relationship can help resolve concerns regarding trade disputes and immigration policies.

Trump, who has praised Modi as a “great leader,” has also criticized India over its trade practices, particularly its tariffs. Last year, he accused India of imposing excessive tariffs on US goods.

The confirmation of Modi’s visit to Washington comes shortly after a US military flight carrying around 100 deported Indian nationals landed in Punjab.

Reports suggest that those deported had either entered the US illegally or overstayed their visas.

During their phone conversation last week, Trump expressed confidence that India “will do the right thing” regarding illegal immigration.

Deportation of undocumented foreign nationals has been a central aspect of Trump’s policy. According to a Bloomberg report, 18,000 undocumented Indian migrants have been identified in the US, though experts believe the actual number may be higher.

A study by the Pew Research Center estimated that the number of undocumented Indian immigrants in the US stood at approximately 725,000 last year.

Thus far, India has managed to avoid facing direct US tariffs on its exports.

However, Trump has previously described India as the “tariff king” and a “big abuser” of trade relations. He has warned of reciprocal actions if India does not lower its taxes on American imports.

In an attempt to ease tensions, India’s latest budget included reductions in duties on various products, including high-end motorcycles like Harley-Davidson.

India’s finance secretary emphasized that this decision demonstrated the country was “not a tariff king.”

Last week, the Indian foreign ministry affirmed that efforts were underway to strengthen bilateral ties between the two nations.

India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar represented the country at Trump’s inauguration ceremony and held discussions with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio while visiting Washington.

Following Trump’s re-election victory in November, Jaishankar stated that India had no concerns about collaborating with the US administration.

Trump Proposes U.S. Ownership of Gaza in Meeting with Netanyahu

President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, where he proposed that the United States take control of the Gaza Strip and redevelop the war-torn territory.

During a press conference following their meeting, Trump suggested that the U.S. could relocate approximately 1.8 million Palestinians and completely rebuild the Gaza Strip. He envisioned transforming it into the “Riviera of the Middle East” under American administration.

“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Trump stated while Netanyahu observed. “Level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings. Level it out, create an economic development.”

Netanyahu was the first foreign leader to visit Trump since he took office last month. Trump underscored their close alliance, describing the relationship between their countries as “unbreakable.”

Trump’s remarks align with his previous calls for neighboring countries to absorb Palestinians displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas. He has specifically pointed to Egypt and Jordan as potential hosts, though both countries have firmly rejected the idea. However, Trump expressed confidence that they would ultimately comply.

Trump did not specify how the U.S. might assume control of Gaza but did not rule out deploying American troops to assist in reconstruction efforts. He also announced plans to visit Israel and Gaza.

When Netanyahu took the podium, he commended Trump’s dedication to Israel. Addressing Trump’s idea for Gaza, Netanyahu remarked, “I think it’s something that could change history. And I think it’s worthwhile really pursuing.”

The meeting occurred as Israel and Hamas continue negotiations over the second phase of a ceasefire agreement. The first phase centered on the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees.

Trump administration officials stressed the importance of fully implementing Phase 1 to ensure the safe return of all hostages, including those who have died. They explained that Phase 2 would aim to conclude the war and secure the release of all remaining Israeli captives in Gaza.

However, Trump’s envoy cautioned that Phase 3—rebuilding Gaza—would present significant challenges. He described the idea of reconstruction within five years as “physically impossible,” estimating that it would require a timeline of 10 to 15 years due to the extensive devastation caused by the conflict.

Trump also expressed skepticism about the durability of the ceasefire.

“I have no guarantees that the peace is going to hold,” he admitted to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday.

When questioned about his vision for a U.S.-led Gaza redevelopment, Trump responded, “I envision the world people living there. The world’s people. I think you’ll make that into an international, unbelievable place.”

He also acknowledged that Palestinians would continue to inhabit the territory.

“You have to learn from history. History is – you just can’t let it keep repeating itself. We have an opportunity to do something that could be phenomenal,” Trump stated.

As part of his broader Middle East strategy, Trump signed two executive orders on Tuesday. The first order intensified pressure on Iran, a decision he admitted was difficult.

“I’m signing this and I’m unhappy to do it, but I have not so much choice because we have to be strong and firm,” he said, emphasizing his hope that the measure would not have to be enforced.

“To me, it’s very simple. Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon,” Trump added, asserting the U.S. authority to block the sale of Iranian oil to other nations.

The second order withdrew the U.S. from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) and terminated funding for the United Nations Relief Works Agency (UNRWA), which primarily assists Palestinian refugees.

Both Democrats and Republicans have criticized the UNHRC, accusing it of bias against Israel.

Additionally, the order included a consideration to withdraw from UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

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