A federal judge in New Hampshire has issued a ruling that halts President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship for children born to parents without legal status. This ruling was handed down by Judge Joseph LaPlante on Thursday and includes a preliminary injunction that forbids the order from taking effect anywhere in the United States. The judge also certified a class action lawsuit representing all affected children, a move that addresses concerns about the legality of the executive order.
The decision is significant as it places the contentious issue of birthright citizenship on a track toward the U.S. Supreme Court. This comes after the Supreme Court recently limited the authority of lower courts to issue nationwide injunctions. The Court did not rule out the possibility of achieving similar outcomes through class action lawsuits, which may pave the way for wider challenges against the executive order.
The class action certified by the court is slightly more restrictive than what the plaintiffs originally sought, which included parents of the affected children. However, attorneys involved in the case argue that this distinction does not materially alter the ability of the lawsuit to protect children across the country. Cody Wofsy, an attorney for the plaintiffs, characterized the ruling as a safeguard against what he described as a “lawless, unconstitutional and cruel executive order.”
Meanwhile, as the legal battle over Trump's birthright citizenship order escalates, the implications of this ruling will soon be assessed at the Supreme Court level. The high court might be called upon to determine the constitutionality of the executive order while addressing broader questions related to the judiciary's ability to issue nationwide injunctions.
In unrelated events, Texas is grappling with the aftermath of catastrophic flash floods that have resulted in at least 120 fatalities, with more than 170 individuals reported missing. The floods, which have devastated large areas, struck in the wake of severe weather, causing rivers to overflow and creating scenes of destruction across several communities in Kerr County.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as families mourn the loss of loved ones, with tributes laid out for the deceased, highlighting the scale of tragedy in the region. Texas authorities are working diligently to account for all missing individuals, as the search for victims continues across the heavily affected area.
In a different scenario, workers in Los Angeles recently escaped from a collapsed section of a large industrial tunnel, with all 31 workers making it out safely. After clambering through debris and making it several miles to the nearest exit, none sustained major injuries, demonstrating remarkable resilience amid a scary situation.
Back in Washington, the Trump administration has announced it will restrict immigrants in the country illegally from enrolling in the federally funded Head Start preschool program. This move is part of a broader initiative aimed at limiting federal benefits for undocumented immigrants, a decision that has drawn reaction from various advocacy groups.
On a more personal note, Mahmoud Khalil, an activist who was held in ICE detention, has filed a $20 million claim against the Trump administration after experiencing what he describes as false imprisonment. Khalil's legal actions highlight the challenges faced by individuals intersecting with immigration enforcement and the ongoing discourse surrounding their treatment within the legal framework.
In sports news, Amanda Anisimova made headlines by upsetting top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka to advance to the Wimbledon final, marking a significant milestone in her career as a Grand Slam finalist. Her performance sets the stage for an exciting final matchup against Iga Swiatek, who dominated her semifinal match, showcasing the competitive spirit and talent present in the tournament.
Moreover, President Trump has announced an increase in tariffs on Canadian goods, justifying the action as part of efforts to curb the opioid crisis attributed partially to imported fentanyl. This move is part of ongoing trade negotiations between the U.S. and Canada and reflects the administration's broader strategy to address public health concerns while navigating international trade dynamics.
In financial news, the stock market closed higher, reaching record highs led by a robust performance from Delta Air Lines amid positive earnings projections. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq composite both achieved new highs, bolstered by optimistic forecasts for the upcoming summer travel season.