The US Supreme Court delivered a significant ruling on Friday (27 June) that impacts former President Donald Trump’s controversial birthright citizenship policy. The decision restricts lower courts from issuing nationwide injunctions, meaning judges can only block policies for the plaintiffs involved—not the entire country.

This ruling revives Trump’s plan to limit birthright citizenship, though it doesn’t immediately enact the policy. Instead, it allows legal challenges to proceed on a case-by-case basis, making it easier for such policies to advance.

Birthright citizenship, rooted in the 14th Amendment, grants automatic citizenship to anyone born on US soil, regardless of their parents’ status. Trump’s executive order, signed in January, seeks to deny citizenship to children born to undocumented immigrants or temporary visa holders.

The Supreme Court’s decision affects lawsuits filed in Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington state. However, the policy remains blocked in New Hampshire due to a separate legal challenge.

Trump celebrated the ruling on Truth Social, calling it a “GIANT WIN” and criticizing birthright citizenship as a “hoax.” He credited his legal team, including Attorney General Pam Bondi and Solicitor General John Sauer, for the victory.

The move aligns with Trump’s broader immigration agenda, including plans for mass deportations targeting millions. His administration has also taken steps to shrink federal agencies and purge thousands of employees.

The ruling marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle over immigration policy, with potential long-term consequences for citizenship rights in the US. Legal and political debates are expected to intensify as the policy faces further challenges.