A US judge in Seattle has issued a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven mainly Muslim nations.
Federal Judge James Robart ruled against government lawyers’ claims that US states did not have the standing to challenge Mr Trump’s executive order.
Last week’s order has led to protests and confusion at US airports. Some 60,000 visas have since been revoked.
The Justice Department now plans to file an emergency stay of the ruling.
In a statement, the White House described Mr Trump’s directive as “lawful and appropriate”.
“The president’s order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people,” the statement said.
Mr Trump’s order brought in a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days.
There is also an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. Anyone arriving from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen faces a 90-day visa suspension.
The lawsuit against President Trump’s ban was initially filed by Washington state, with Minnesota joining later.
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described the ban as illegal and unconstitutional, because it discriminates against people on the ground of their religion.
The ruling is a major challenge to the Trump administration, and means that nationals from the seven countries are now able – in theory – to apply for US visas, the BBC’s David Willis in Washington DC reports.
The administration can also appeal against the verdict.
President Trump has argued that his directive is aimed at protecting America.
He said visas would once again be issued once “the most secure policies” were in place, and denied it was a Muslim ban.
A number of state attorney generals have said the order is unconstitutional. Several federal judges have temporarily halted the deportation of visa holders, but the Seattle ruling is the first to be applicable nationwide.
Courts in at least four other states – Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Michigan – are hearing cases challenging Mr Trump’s executive order.
Earlier on Friday, a judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary ban that prohibited the detention or removal of foreigners legally authorised to come to America.
The ban – which only applied to Massachusetts – is due to expire on 5 February.
Banned countries’ citizens able to board flights
Normal air service to the U.S. seemed set to resume Saturday after a federal judge temporarily blocked President Donald Trump’s executive order barring entry by people from seven predominantly Muslim nations.
For now, it appears the order by U.S. District Court Senior Judge James L. Robart means that holders of U.S. visas or green cards allowing them to live and work in the U.S. can fly into the country as before. Trump’s order affected citizens of Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Iran, Iraq and Yemen.
Qatar Airways issued a statement saying that, “as directed by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection,” nationals of the seven affected countries and all refugees presenting a valid U.S. visa or Green Card allowing them to work in the U.S. would be permitted to travel to the United States.
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Amir
February 4, 2022 at 8:45 pm
All I can say is that a system of law does not work for a long period of time since the very first people who respected the law of land, now they can interpret the law as they wish. Today, residences- tomorrow, the citizens who are not born within the system. The system is showing its weaknesses that before were never challenged openly. Remember the Bush doctrine, ” you are either with us or you are not with us”. It took almost 12 years until finally somebody had the courage to present this in its real contents. To all the people who are here in America under “first generation”; start packing up. Things will start changing before you come to realize that it is too late. Pack up now. Whatever you call it; White, Black- or yellow. They want their country back weather you like it or not.
Read history that how one group forced its muscles against minorities?
Amir
February 4, 2022 at 9:36 pm
Travel ban suspended. Just in
http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/politics/federal-judge-temporarily-halts-trump-travel-ban-nationwide-ag-says/