16 July 2025
In a pivotal legal development, a federal judge in New Hampshire has blocked the enforcement of former President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. This ruling, which emerged from a class-action lawsuit certified by Judge Joseph N. Laplante, reinforces one of the most fundamental principles enshrined in the U.S. Constitution: that all children born on U.S. soil are American citizens, regardless of their parents’ immigration status.
As a law firm deeply committed to immigrant rights, VKM Law Group stands firmly in support of this decision and believes it’s important to understand both the legal and human implications.
Background: Birthright Citizenship and the 14th Amendment
Birthright citizenship is grounded in the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states:
“All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
This foundational principle has withstood political pressure for over a century. It affirms that citizenship is not conditional on the immigration status of one’s parents—a legal interpretation repeatedly upheld by federal courts.
The Executive Order and Legal Challenge
Earlier this year, the Trump administration reintroduced an executive order targeting birthright citizenship. This action would have denied U.S. citizenship to certain children born after February 20, 2025, including those born to:
- Undocumented immigrants
- Individuals in the U.S. on student or work visas
- Temporary residents or visa overstayers
However, Judge Laplante halted the order’s enforcement nationwide, stating it would cause “irreparable harm” to those impacted—particularly the children who could be left stateless.
“Citizenship is the greatest privilege that exists in the world.” — Judge Joseph N. Laplante
The class-action designation was essential because a recent Supreme Court ruling limited the use of nationwide injunctions by lower courts. Class actions now represent a critical legal pathway for nationwide protection in immigration cases.
Legal Insight from VKM Law Group
This ruling affirms what constitutional law and immigration attorneys have long argued: the government cannot unilaterally strip citizenship rights from individuals born in the U.S.
As experienced immigration attorneys based in New Jersey, VKM Law Group views this case as a vital affirmation of:
- Equal protection under the law
- Stability for immigrant families
- Legal clarity in an increasingly complex immigration system
We commend the ACLU and the legal team that brought this class-action challenge forward and recognize the immense relief this brings to thousands of families across the country.
What This Means for You
If you or someone you know is:
✅ Expecting a child in the U.S.
✅ Concerned about your family’s immigration status
✅ Navigating temporary visa conditions
…you can rest assured that birthright citizenship remains the law of the land. But ongoing legal battles remind us that immigrant rights require constant vigilance.
At VKM Law Group, we are here to protect your family’s future and fight for your rights.