Federal judge blocks Trump’s birthright citizenship order nationwide-what it means for Kansas

WICHITA, Kan. (KWCH) - A federal judge in New Hampshire has issued a nationwide injunction halting President Donald Trump’s executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship, a major constitutional protection granted under the 14th Amendment.

The order, originally set to take effect on July 27, would have denied automatic U.S. citizenship to children born in the U.S. if their parents were undocumented immigrants or non-citizen visa holders. Trump argued the right was “meant for the babies of slaves,” not children of immigrants.

Twenty-two states sued to stop the order, and this latest ruling temporarily protects all states, even those like Kansas that didn’t join the lawsuit.

“A parent who is a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident still might be okay. So, it is very confusing, even to most attorneys, it is kind of confusing because the law is constantly evolving and there are appeals and new rulings that are coming along,” said Abdul Arif, a Wichita-based immigration attorney.

Still, Arif urges Kansas residents who are green card holders to take action.

“If you are a legal permanent resident and are now eligible to become a citizen, you really should not hesitate because that is the best way to protect yourself and your family,” Arif said.

The judge also paused enforcement of the order for seven days to allow for an appeal.