A federal judge in Boston, Leo Sorokin, has blocked President Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children of parents in the U.S. illegally, making it the fourth judge to do so. Sorokin’s ruling emphasized that the Constitution grants birthright citizenship broadly, countering the president’s order. The case, brought by Democratic attorneys general from 18 states, is part of a larger legal battle with at least nine lawsuits challenging the order.

Similarly, judges in Seattle and Maryland have issued rulings against the executive order, with U.S. District Judge John C. Coughenour criticizing the administration’s attempt to circumvent the Constitution. In Maryland, a nationwide pause on the order was granted in a case involving immigrant rights groups and pregnant women. The Trump administration has indicated it will appeal these decisions.

The core argument against the order is rooted in the 14th Amendment, which guarantees birthright citizenship. Opponents assert that the order is an unlawful attempt to strip American-born children of their citizenship based on parentage. They also contend that the order would impact essential state services and violate established legal precedent.

The global perspective reveals that the U.S. is one of about 30 countries practicing birthright citizenship. Sorokin’s injunction in Boston extends to a related case involving expectant mothers represented by Lawyers for Civil Rights. This ongoing legal saga underscores the clash between presidential authority and constitutional principles regarding citizenship rights.