WASHINGTON — September 3, 2026 — A federal judge in Maryland has blocked President Donald Trump's latest attempt to restrict birthright citizenship, issuing a preliminary injunction that prevents the administration from implementing key parts of its executive order.

U.S. District Judge Deborah L. Boardman ruled that the order is likely to conflict with established constitutional protections and Supreme Court precedent concerning children born in the United States.

The administration's order sought to deny citizenship to certain children born in the U.S., including cases involving parents considered to be in the country under particular immigration circumstances.

14th Amendment at Center of Dispute

The case centers on the 14th Amendment, which has long been interpreted as guaranteeing citizenship to people born on U.S. soil, subject to limited exceptions.

The lawsuit was brought by immigrant families and advocacy organizations challenging the administration's policy. The judge's injunction will remain in effect while the broader class-action case proceeds.

The ruling represents another major legal setback for the administration's effort to change birthright citizenship through executive action.

The decision is expected to keep the issue in federal court and could ultimately contribute to another major constitutional battle over the scope of presidential immigration powers.

The fight over birthright citizenship is now set to remain one of the most closely watched immigration and constitutional issues in the United States.