In a significant rebuff to President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a federal judge in Washington has sided with Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his counterparts from three other states, granting a nationwide preliminary injunction. The legal challenge asserts that the president's order directly defies the long-standing Constitutional right under the 14th Amendment, a cornerstone principle that confers citizenship to individuals born on U.S. soil. The office of Attorney General Kwame Raoul hailed the decision, with Raoul remarking on its importance to him personally, and for the nation's adherence to the rule of law.
The latest development in this legal battle follows concerted efforts by state attorneys general to safeguard the Constitution against what they consider an overreach by the executive branch; Raoul stated in response to the judge's decision, “The judge correctly said today, ‘It has become ever more apparent that to our president, the rule of law is but an impediment to his policy goals,’” according to the statement published on the Illinois Attorney General's website. The ruling marks a stern check on presidential power, amidst concerns that fundamental rights are being encroached upon for political ends.
Underscoring the gravity of the situation, Raoul continued, “Despite his actions since taking office, President Trump was inaugurated on Jan. 20 – not coronated,” stressing that no president has the autonomy to skirt constitutional mandates, these comments also appeared on the Illinois Attorney General's website. As this injunction places the controversial order on hold, it sets the stage for a potentially extended legal wrangling over the parameters of executive authority and constitutional protections.
The coalition of state attorneys general, with Attorney General Nick Brown among the leaders, remains resolute in combating the order; Raoul took pride in his and his colleagues' role in this constitutional defense saying, the judge today recognized the importance of this moment in our world’s history when he said people will look back and ask, "'Where were the lawyers? Where were the judges?’ I am proud that future generations will see state attorneys general fighting to preserve the U.S. Constitution and the 14th Amendment,” once again affirming their commitment to what they perceive as the safeguarding of foundational legal principles against perceived threats, the battle lines are drawn as they prepare for further proceedings on this contentious national issue.
