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Washington, D.C. (June 27, 2025) — The Supreme Court today issued its long-awaited opinion in Trump v. CASA, the so-called “birthright citizenship” case. Despite the case’s label, the Court did not address whether children of illegal aliens are entitled to U.S. citizenship. The justices focused solely on the legality of lower courts issuing “nationwide” or “universal” injunctions.
The case stemmed from Executive Order 14160, titled “Protecting the Meaning and Value of American Citizenship,” which denied citizenship for the children of aliens here unlawfully or on temporary visas. CASA, a nonprofit with offices in several states, challenged the order in Maryland district court, claiming it violated the 14th Amendment and the Immigration and Nationality Act.
Judge Deborah Boardman issued a nationwide injunction. The Fourth Circuit declined to stay it, prompting the DOJ to seek Supreme Court intervention.
In a 6-3 opinion by Justice Barrett, the Court granted a partial stay, limiting relief. The ruling underscored that federal courts are limited to resolving actual “cases and controversies” and should not issue relief beyond the parties involved.
Justice Alito warned that future efforts—such as expanding third-party standing or class-action tactics—could still challenge the limits set today.
Justice Thomas concluded: “For good reason, the Court today puts an end to the ‘increasingly common’ practice of federal courts issuing universal injunctions.”
Long story short: Nationwide injunctions, particularly in immigration cases, aren’t supported by law and are no more. But lower courts might try to sneak around the Court’s opinion in CASA by expanding third-party standing or bypassing limits on class-action relief.
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