Temporary Pause? Court Temporarily Halts Certain Trump Immigration Orders

Last week, we reported of the White House Executive Orders that restricted the ability of individuals across the globe to enter the United States. On Tuesday, February 3, 2017, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington entered an order temporarily halting the implementation of several provisions of the Executive Order. The order takes an approach that extends its reach across the United States. The Order is, however, only temporary.

The Court order provides that the United States Government:

  • must not stop the entry of ALL immigrants and ALL non-immigrants from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen (note that Customs & Border Protection still has broad, discretionary authority to deny entry at any point of entry);
  • must stop prioritizing refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religion for those who are of the minority religion of their home country; and
  • must resume the United States Refugee Admissions Program.

This Order is temporary—a pause, at most. Further, it does little to quell the great and growing uncertainty with respect to the American Immigration system. The White House responded in assuring an aggressive, quick, and proactive response and has already vowed to seek review of the District Court Order before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Given this, what is to occur next may very well occur shortly.

With the continued uncertainty of the American Immigration system, rest assured that we are prepared and stand at the forefront of the debate, discussion, representation, and litigation. We are continually monitoring developments and making necessary adjustments to ensure all clients—present and future—are protected.

Stay Tuned. This is only a short, short pause.

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