Judge Blocks Trump's Unconstitutional Birthright Citizenship Order in Case Brought by Attorney General Mayes

PHOENIX — A federal judge today granted Attorney General Mayes’ request for a preliminary injunction against the president’s unconstitutional birthright citizenship executive order, preventing the federal government from denying birthright citizenship to the children of immigrants.

Thursday’s hearing was part of a multistate lawsuit filed Jan. 21 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington brought by Arizona, Washington, Oregon, and Illinois.

"Today’s ruling is a win for the Constitution and the rule of law," said 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 asserts that President Trump’s executive order violates the 14th Amendment of the U.S Constitution and the federal Immigration and Nationality Act. If allowed to stand, the president’s order would cause thousands of newborns and children born in Arizona each year to lose their ability to fully and fairly participate in American society as citizens, despite the Constitution’s guarantee of their citizenship.

President Trump acted far outside the bounds of his legal authority in issuing his executive order. Allowing federal agencies to implement and enforce it would harm thousands of Arizonans and the state at large. Arizona administers numerous programs to support the health and welfare of its residents. Many of those programs are supported by federal funding, which would be reduced as a result of the executive order.