The Justice Department, representing President Donald Trump, has responded to legal challenges against the executive order to end birthright citizenship. The administration argues that the order is a crucial step in addressing the nation's immigration issues.
In a filing submitted to a federal judge, the Justice Department emphasized President Trump's authority in the immigration field and defended the executive order as part of his recent actions. The administration urged the judge not to grant an emergency request to block the policy, stating that seeking extraordinary relief is premature.
Several Democratic-led states have filed legal challenges against the executive order, seeking a temporary restraining order that would expire in 14 days. However, the order itself does not go into effect until 30 days after its signing.
The Trump administration criticized the reliance on a 1898 Supreme Court ruling that upheld birthright citizenship, arguing that the ruling only applied to children of permanent residents. The administration highlighted the procedural hurdles challengers must overcome to obtain court intervention.
This case is one of at least six legal challenges facing the executive order to end birthright citizenship. The administration's response underscores its commitment to defending the policy and addressing what it perceives as flaws in the legal arguments against it.
