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US federal judge blocks Trump bid to restrict birthright citizenship

Judge’s action halts enforcement of policy for 14 days, calling it ‘blatantly unconstitutional’

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Decorations and candles in support of immigrant communities are seen during a rally by religious and community leaders in San Jose, California, on Tuesday. Photo: EPA-EFE

A federal judge blocked Donald Trump’s attempt to restrict birthright citizenship in the United States as liberal states scored their first victory against the new president’s hardline agenda.

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The ruling imposes a 14-day stay on the enforcement of one of the most controversial executive orders Trump signed in the hours after he was sworn into office for a second term.

“This is a blatantly unconstitutional order,” US District Judge John Coughenour was reported as saying during the hearing in Washington state on Thursday.

“I’ve been on the bench for over four decades, I can’t remember another case where the question presented is as clear as this one is,” said Coughenour, who was appointed by a Republican president, Ronald Reagan.

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Trump signs series of executive orders on first day back in White House

Trump signs series of executive orders on first day back in White House

Trump told reporters his administration would “obviously” appeal the ruling, while the Department of Justice said it would defend the executive order, which a spokesman said “correctly interprets” the US Constitution.

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