Supreme Court Ruling in Trump v. CASA, Inc. Limits Nationwide Injunctions—but Leaves Birthright Citizenship in Legal Limbo

On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 6–3 decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., marking a pivotal shift in how federal courts can block government policies. While the Court didn’t rule on the constitutionality of Executive Order 14160—President Trump’s attempt to limit birthright citizenship—it did restrict the power of federal judges to issue nationwide injunctions.

For immigrant families in Nebraska and across the country, this decision introduces real uncertainty. And for attorneys working in civil rights and immigration law, especially in service to LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, the ruling reinforces just how essential proactive legal planning has become.

What Was Trump v. CASA About?

The case challenged Executive Order 14160, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, which attempts to deny U.S. citizenship to children born on American soil if their parents are:

• Undocumented

• In the U.S. on a temporary legal status (such as student or work visas)

Civil rights organizations, including CASA, Inc., argued that the order violates:

• The Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause

• The Nationality Act of 1940, which outlines the legal requirements for birthright citizenship

Federal courts agreed with these arguments and issued nationwide injunctions blocking enforcement of the order. But the Trump administration appealed—not to defend the policy’s legality yet, but to challenge the scope of the court’s authority to block it on a national scale.

What the Supreme Court Decided: Limits on Nationwide Injunctions

In a majority opinion written by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court ruled that federal district courts lack authority to issue universal injunctions—that is, rulings that block policies for everyone, not just the parties in the case.

According to the opinion, universal injunctions “likely exceed the equitable authority” granted by Congress. Courts can still block enforcement, but only as it relates to the named plaintiffs in each individual case.

Key Takeaways:

• Executive Order 14160 remains blocked for plaintiffs like CASA, Inc.

• The federal government can enforce the order starting July 27, 2025 for families not named in the original lawsuits

• The underlying constitutional question—whether the order violates the Fourteenth Amendment—remains unresolved

What This Means for Families and the Rule of Law

This ruling limits how federal courts can stop harmful federal policies in their early stages. For immigrant families in Nebraska:

• If your family was not part of the original lawsuits, the executive order could affect your child’s status

• Starting July 27, families may face barriers to getting a Social Security number, U.S. passport, or even legal documentation proving citizenship for children born in the U.S.

• The decision potentially creates two classes of children: those whose rights are protected by early legal action, and those who must now individually seek court relief

As a Nebraska attorney, I see how changes like these disrupt real lives. They can impact everything from health care access to educational opportunities to legal status down the line. That’s not theoretical — that’s immediate.

Why This Case Matters for LGBTQ+ and Immigrant Communities

While the ruling focused on immigration, its broader effect may shape future civil rights litigation. It limits the reach of court rulings that once offered broad, emergency protection. That has ripple effects for LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, environmental law, and beyond.

Marginalized communities often rely on impact litigation to stop unjust policies quickly. If courts are now restricted to issuing narrower relief, it could become harder to shield vulnerable populations from harm—especially if they lack access to individual legal representation.

What Happens Next in the Birthright Citizenship Fight?

The constitutionality of Executive Order 14160 is still being litigated. Lower courts will continue hearing challenges to the order, and eventually, the Supreme Court may decide whether ending birthright citizenship via executive action is lawful.

In the meantime, unless you were a named plaintiff in one of the early lawsuits, your family could be subject to the executive order starting July 27, 2025.

What You Should Do If You’re Affected

If you are:

• Expecting a child in the U.S. and

• Undocumented, or

• Here on a temporary visa (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.),

Now is the time to seek legal guidance.

You may need to:

• Document your presence and immigration status

• Explore adjustment of status or legal permanent residency

• Start preparing for possible challenges to your child’s proof of citizenship

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, I work with LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, immigrant families, and other individuals navigating fast-changing legal landscapes. Whether it’s citizenship, family-based immigration, or protecting your rights in court, I’m here to help you move forward with clarity and compassion.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this ruling end birthright citizenship?

No. The Supreme Court’s decision in Trump v. CASA did not rule on the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. It only addressed the scope of court injunctions. The legality of Executive Order 14160 is still being decided in lower courts.

What is a nationwide injunction?

A nationwide injunction blocks a federal policy from being enforced anywhere in the country. The Supreme Court’s decision limits courts from issuing these and says they can only provide relief to named plaintiffs.

Will my U.S.-born child be denied citizenship?

Possibly—if both parents are undocumented or on temporary visas and your family is not protected by a court order. You should consult an immigration attorney immediately to understand your rights and options.

When does Executive Order 14160 go into effect?

The ruling allows enforcement of the executive order starting July 27, 2025, for families who were not plaintiffs in the lawsuits challenging it.

Can this affect LGBTQ+ families in Nebraska?

Yes. LGBTQ+ families—especially those involving immigrant parents or mixed-status households—are directly affected. The ruling makes it more urgent to protect legal parentage, citizenship, and documentation through appropriate legal channels.