Supreme Court Hears Historic Arguments Over Trump's Challenge of Birthright Citizenship

What Happened?

The Supreme Court listened to case arguments on Thursday surrounding the Trump administration's challenge over automatic birthright citizenship.

Rep. Nancy Pelosi of California stood with about 500 protesters in front of the steps of the higher court ahead of oral arguments in the divisive case.

Arguments focused on whether lower court judges could rule against the administration on a nationwide basis, which has frustrated President Donald Trump.

It's a move that federal district court judges have made that questions Trump's authority over constitutional provision guarantees.

The U.S. solicitor general argued that lower courts have gone too far on nationwide injunctions.

He suggested that their power should be curtailed to prevent this.

New Jersey Solicitor General Jeremy Feigenbaum, arguing on behalf of 22 states, told the court that nationwide injunctions should be available in 'narrow circumstances.'

Five of the six conservative justices reportedly seemed open to backing Trump.

The justices did not appear to reach a consensus as they considered both sides.

Why it Matters

President Trump had urged the Supreme Court to limit the ability of federal judges who have challenged his recent orders that surround immigration.

The Trump administration seeks to reverse the blocking of nationwide injunctions that have caused widespread tension.

Federal courts are reportedly hearing more than 100 lawsuits challenging Trump since his return to presidency.

Trump had stated in a post on Truth Social, a president has to be 'allowed to act quickly and decisively about such matters.'

'STOP NATIONWIDE INJUNCTIONS NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE,' he said.

On his first day of his second presidential term, Trump issued an executive order that barred automatic citizenship.

The order targeted any baby born in the U.S. whose parents entered the country illegally, including parents who were here legally but on a temporary visa.

Trump has reportedly long maintained strong views that have questioned the 14th Amendment's interpretation.

Courts for over a century have understood the 14th Amendment text to guarantee 'all persons born or naturalized in the United States' to be U.S. citizens.

How it Affects You

Although the Supreme Court ultimately blocked the policy, Trump argues that federal judges are attempting to 'assume the duties of the President of the United States.'

His administration stands by assertions that judges are using these tactics to impede Trump's agenda and to override his executive powers.

Such halted actions included the use of the Alien Enemies Act.

It's unclear how long the justices will take to resolve the matter.

The pending outcome could significantly change the future U.S. outlook surrounding immigration.