In the ongoing legal battle surrounding President Donald Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order, U.S. District Judge John Coughenour in Seattle is at the forefront, set to hear arguments on a potential long-term pause of the directive. The order aims to end citizenship for children born to parents not legally in the country. This hearing involves lawyers from the Trump administration, four states challenging the order, and an immigrant rights organization representing expectant parents.

Recently, a Maryland federal judge issued a nationwide pause in a similar case involving immigrant rights groups and pregnant women. Coughenour previously called the order “blatantly unconstitutional” and issued a temporary restraining order. Another federal judge, Deborah Boardman, followed up with an injunction to keep the order on hold until the case’s merits are resolved, pending a potential appeal by the administration.

The central issue revolves around the interpretation of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution, specifically whether children born to noncitizens are entitled to citizenship. The Trump administration argues that these children are not subject to U.S. jurisdiction and thus not eligible for citizenship. Conversely, plaintiffs assert that the amendment clearly grants citizenship to all persons born in the U.S. and subject to its jurisdiction.

The legal battle involves multiple states and organizations challenging the executive order, with hearings scheduled in different jurisdictions. The outcome of these proceedings will have significant implications for the interpretation of birthright citizenship in the United States, a principle enshrined in the nation’s history since the 14th Amendment’s ratification in 1868.