The U.S. Supreme Court delivered a landmark decision on Friday that redefines the balance of power between federal judges and the executive branch, marking a significant win for former President Donald Trump's immigration agenda. The ruling, written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, curtails judges' authority to issue nationwide injunctions blocking presidential policies while legal challenges proceed.
While the court did not immediately reinstate Trump's 2020 executive order restricting birthright citizenship, it ordered lower courts to reassess the scope of their injunctions. The policy sought to deny automatic citizenship to children born in the U.S. unless at least one parent is a citizen or lawful permanent resident.
Trump hailed the decision as a breakthrough for implementing contentious policies that had been 'wrongly enjoined on a nationwide basis.' The ruling's 30-day implementation window leaves room for potential regional enforcement as litigation continues.
Legal experts note the decision could reshape how future administrations approach policy implementation, particularly on polarizing issues like immigration. The court's conservative majority prevailed in the 6-3 vote, with liberal justices dissenting over concerns about unchecked executive power.
The case originated from three federal injunctions issued in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington state that blocked Trump's directive. While the Supreme Court avoided ruling on the policy's constitutionality, its procedural guidance signals a shift toward limiting judicial interventions in presidential authority.
