Federal Judge Blocks Trump's Muslim Ban
On Friday afternoon, federal Judge Robart ruled in favor of Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson and granted a temporary restraining order (“TRO”) to stop Trump’s immigration and refugee ban from predominantly Muslim nations. The Honorable Judge James L. Robart, a George W. Bush appointee, agreed with Ferguson – the order amounts to an unconstitutional Muslim ban.
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to Trump’s Muslim ban, but no ruling has had the immediate effect of Robart’s TRO. Despite being appointed by a Republican president, Robart is sure to win the support of Seattle’s left leaning populous. With the ACLU’s victory in New York, Ferguson’s victory in Washington, and millions protesting nationwide, the momentum for overturning this ill-advised order seems insurmountable.
Too many people have been directly affected by this abuse of executive authority for Trump’s administration not to consider a reversal. According to the Department of Justice, since Trump’s ban was instituted, 100,000 visas have been revoked. Many wonder why Trump implemented a ban on the counties. It is especially troubling considering no person from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, Libya, or Somalia, carried out an act of terror on U.S. soil in several decades.
Beyond it being unconstitutional and nonsensical, Trump’s ban hurts U.S. relationships with trusted allies. In typical “shoot from the hip” Trump fashion, the White House released a statement Friday evening, that was immediately retracted, “At the earliest possible time, the Department of Justice intends to file an emergency stay of this outrageous order and defend the executive order of the President, which we believe is 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.” Realizing the implications of releasing such an unpresidential statement, the White House amended the second statement, removing the word “outrageous”.
Heartened by Robart’s decision, Ferguson acknowledged, “No one is above the law, not even the president.” This sentiment of presidents being accountable to the law, might be learned by the civics inept Trump at a great cost. After ruling, Judge Robart later released his written order in State of Washington, et al., (Plaintiff) vs. Donald J. Trump et al. (Defendant). The specific sections Judge Robart ruled violated the U.S. Constitution were 3(c), 5(a)-(c), and 5(e).
