A federal judge has once again blocked an attempt to end birthright citizenship in the United States. On Wednesday, U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman ruled against President Donald Trump’s executive order that sought to restrict citizenship rights for children born to undocumented immigrants and temporary visitors. The ruling is a significant moment not only in American legal history but also for Catholics who uphold the dignity of human life and the fundamental rights of all people.
Judge Boardman stated that the order “conflicts with the plain language of the 14th Amendment, contradicts 125-year-old binding Supreme Court precedent, and runs counter to our nation’s 250-year history of citizenship by birth,” according to court transcripts. As Catholics, we recognize the inherent dignity of every human being, created in the image of God. The Church teaches that all persons deserve respect, protection, and the opportunity to flourish. Efforts to strip children of their rights before they are even born contradict these values.
The case against the executive order was brought by five pregnant women and two immigrant-rights organizations. The judge emphasized that the order could cause “irreparable injury” if it were allowed to take effect. “Children subjected to the order will be denied the rights and benefits of U.S. citizens, and their parents will face instability and uncertainty about the citizenship status of their unborn babies,” Boardman said.
The Catholic Church has long advocated for the rights of immigrants and the vulnerable, echoing Christ’s command to “welcome the stranger” (Matthew 25:35). The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has consistently defended birthright citizenship as an essential part of the nation’s commitment to human dignity and justice. The Church recognizes that citizenship and legal protections provide stability to families, ensuring that children are not born into legal limbo.
Legal experts predict that this case will eventually reach the Supreme Court. Eric Hamilton, an attorney representing the Trump administration, argued that the framers of the 14th Amendment did not intend to create a system that could be “exploited” by temporary visitors or undocumented immigrants. However, Judge Boardman rejected this argument, stating that “no court in the country has ever endorsed the president’s interpretation. This court will not be the first.”
As Catholics, we must view this issue through the lens of faith and justice. The Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC 2241) states that nations have the right to regulate migration but must also respect the dignity of all people and show special concern for the poor and marginalized. The executive order, titled “PROTECTING THE MEANING AND VALUE OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP,” proposed that the federal government “will not issue documents recognizing United States citizenship” to children born to parents who are unlawfully in the country or who are in the U.S. temporarily. This policy would have denied fundamental rights to innocent children based on the circumstances of their birth—something that contradicts the Church’s pro-life and pro-family teachings.
Catholic social teaching reminds us that human laws should reflect divine justice. Pope Francis has repeatedly called on nations to show mercy and compassion to migrants and refugees, urging policies that prioritize human dignity over political expediency. As Catholics, we are called to advocate for laws that uphold the sacredness of life, the integrity of families, and the common good.
This ruling provides a moment for reflection and action. We must pray for just immigration policies, stand in solidarity with vulnerable families, and encourage policies that affirm life, dignity, and justice. The debate over birthright citizenship is far from over, but as people of faith, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of all God’s children.