This morning, in the case of Trump v. CASA, the Supreme Court voted to restrict nationwide preliminary injunctions (PIs) that had temporarily blocked an executive order aimed at ending birthright citizenship. Not only does this decision pull the rug out from immigrant families who deserve stability and protection for their American-born children, but it also alters the process by which federal judges can temporarily halt executive actions in some cases, curtailing how parties seek judicial relief in future constitutional challenges.

Adina Appelbaum, Program Director for Amica Center’s Immigration Impact Lab, said:

“Today’s order is ugly, not just in its outcome, but in what it signals. This isn’t just a -procedural shift—it’s a permission slip for an earthshaking power grab. By curbing the ability of federal judges to offer immediate, nationwide relief when widespread constitutional harm is imminent, the Court has turned its back on its role to protect the people, and immigrant communities are being forced to carry that cost.”

While this is a horrific decision for the issue of birthright citizenship, it is not a final outcome. The decision, which only focuses on the PIs, does not go into effect for at least 30 days, and attorneys in the CASA case have already filed emergency motions in response.

This decision is not a blanket judgment for many ongoing cases. Amica Center will continue to fight for the rights and safety of immigrant communities because everyone has the right to be free, safe, and supported.