Supreme Court Ruling on Nationwide Injunctions: What It Means for Birthright Citizenship and Immigrant Families

On June 27, 2025, the United States Supreme Court issued a significant ruling in Trump v. CASA, Inc., addressing the power of federal courts to issue nationwide injunctions. While the decision focused on the legal authority of federal judges, it also has important implications for the underlying case concerning limits on birthright citizenship.

Understanding the Supreme Court’s Decision

In a 6-3 decision, the Court determined that federal district courts generally do not have the authority to issue universal injunctions that block federal policies across the entire country. Instead, such rulings should typically apply only to the parties directly involved in the lawsuit. The Court emphasized that broader relief for groups of people should be pursued through the class action process, rather than universal injunctions.

Importantly, this decision does not resolve the core issue in the case: whether the executive order restricting birthright citizenship is constitutional. That question remains open and will continue to be litigated in lower federal courts. The ruling simply limits how court orders can be applied while those legal challenges proceed.

What Is Birthright Citizenship?

Birthright citizenship is the principle that grants U.S. citizenship to most individuals born on U.S. soil. It is based on the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which states that all persons born in the United States and subject to its jurisdiction are citizens. This has long been interpreted to include children born to noncitizen parents, with some exceptions such as children of foreign diplomats.

The Executive Order in Question

Executive Order 14160 aims to change the application of birthright citizenship by asserting that children born to undocumented immigrants or those in the U.S. on temporary visas are not automatically entitled to citizenship. This interpretation has been challenged in multiple courts and, until now, was blocked nationwide by several injunctions. The Supreme Court’s recent ruling may affect how those injunctions are applied but does not validate or invalidate the policy itself.

The Ruling’s Impact on Immigrant Families

For many immigrant families, the decision introduces a new layer of legal complexity. Rather than a single, nationwide block on the policy, legal relief may now vary depending on state and court jurisdiction. Individuals who are not directly involved in ongoing lawsuits may need to join class actions or initiate separate legal proceedings to seek protection.

Advocacy groups and state attorneys general have already begun responding to the ruling by filing new class action lawsuits aimed at securing broad protections under the law. The goal is to ensure consistent and fair application of constitutional rights during this period of legal uncertainty.

What Comes Next After the Court’s Ruling?

The Supreme Court’s decision gives lower courts the responsibility to adjust existing injunctions to align with this new interpretation of judicial authority. The executive order cannot take effect for at least 30 days following the ruling, providing time for additional legal action to unfold.

While the legal process continues, families affected by the policy are encouraged to stay informed and seek legal guidance to understand how potential changes might impact their situation.

The Judicial Process Continues for the Fate of Birthright Citizenship

The Supreme Court’s ruling on nationwide injunctions is a procedural decision that shapes how immigration policies can be challenged in court. It does not determine whether the executive order on birthright citizenship is lawful. That matter remains undecided and will continue to be addressed through the judicial process.

At Odunlami Law, we are committed to keeping our community informed about key legal developments that may affect immigrant families. Our immigration attorneys will continue to monitor this situation and share updates as the legal landscape evolves.