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

On June 27, 2025, the Supreme Court issued a 6–3 decision in Trump v. CASA, Inc., limiting the power of federal judges to block federal policies across the board. The ruling didn’t decide the constitutionality of President Trump’s controversial Executive Order 14160—which aims to end birthright citizenship for some children born in the U.S.—but it did send a clear message about the future of nationwide injunctions.

For families in Nebraska and across the country, this decision creates uncertainty. And for those of us practicing as civil rights and immigration attorneys, especially in service to LGBTQ+ and immigrant communities, this ruling reinforces the importance of proactive legal planning and case-by-case advocacy.

What Was the Case About?

The case centered on Executive Order 14160, signed by President Trump on January 20, 2025, just hours after taking office. The order attempts to deny automatic U.S. citizenship to children born on U.S. soil if their parents are undocumented or in the U.S. on temporary legal status—like student or work visas.

Civil rights groups, including CASA, Inc., challenged the executive order, arguing that it violated both the Fourteenth Amendment’s Citizenship Clause and the Nationality Act of 1940. Several federal district courts agreed—at least in part—and issued nationwide injunctions to halt enforcement of the policy.

The Trump administration pushed back, not by directly defending the policy’s constitutionality (yet), but by challenging the courts’ authority to block enforcement nationwide.

The Supreme Court’s Decision: Narrower Injunctions Going Forward

In a majority opinion authored by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, the Court ruled that federal judges cannot issue universal injunctions. According to the opinion, those broad injunctions “likely exceed the equitable authority” granted to the courts by Congress. In short, lower courts can still block policies—but only for the actual plaintiffs involved in the case.

Here’s the big takeaway: the executive order remains blocked for plaintiffs like CASA, Inc. and those tied to their specific lawsuits. But for everyone else, the order can now be enforced starting July 27, 2025.

It’s important to note that the Supreme Court did not weigh in on whether the executive order is constitutional. That fight is still ongoing in the lower courts.

What This Means for Families, Civil Rights, and the Rule of Law

This decision reshapes the reach of the federal judiciary and how constitutional rights can be protected—especially when policies are rushed through the executive branch.

For families directly affected by this order, the legal limbo is immediate. Come late July, if a parent is undocumented or only has temporary legal status, their U.S.-born child could be denied key documents like a Social Security number or a U.S. passport. These aren’t just technicalities. These are the foundations of legal recognition, identity, and security.

As a Nebraska immigration lawyer and LGBTQ+ rights advocate, I work with families who are already navigating a complicated and often unforgiving system. What this decision does is force families into a position where their legal standing—and their child’s citizenship—may hinge on whether they were part of an original lawsuit. It creates two classes of families: those with legal protection, and those without.

And this isn’t just about immigration. The broader effect of this ruling means that courts may be more limited in stopping future policies that harm marginalized groups, unless those individuals or organizations can individually bring suit. That’s a dangerous precedent, especially for communities who don’t always have the means to fight back in court quickly.

What Happens Next?

While the Court has now limited the reach of injunctions, it has not resolved the underlying constitutional issue: whether ending birthright citizenship by executive order is legal under the Fourteenth Amendment. That question now returns to the lower courts—and eventually, it could come back to the Supreme Court.

In the meantime, the federal government is free to apply the executive order to anyone who wasn’t a plaintiff in the original challenges. That means families with babies born in the U.S. after July 27 may face serious questions about their child’s legal status, especially if neither parent is a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

What You Can Do If You’re Affected

If you or someone in your family is expecting a child and you are in the U.S. on a student visa, work visa, or without legal status, now is the time to get legal advice. You may need to prepare documentation, pursue an adjustment of status, or take other steps to protect your rights and your child’s future.

At Zachary W. Anderson Law, I work with LGBTQ+ Nebraskans, immigrant families, and others who may be affected by shifting legal standards. Whether you need immigration guidance, support with citizenship questions, or help asserting your rights in court, I’m here to help you navigate this moment with clarity and care.

Need help understanding how this decision could affect your family?

Reach out to Zachary W. Anderson Law to schedule a consultation. Whether you’re concerned about citizenship, immigration law, or broader civil rights issues, we’re committed to protecting your future with compassion and precision.