Judicial Ruling
Issued on May 25th
Policy Summary
On May 25th the 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals ruled 10-3 to uphold a lower Court’s ruling blocking Trump’s travel ban. Chief Judge Roger L. Gregory ruled that Trump’s call during the campaign to suspend Muslim immigration could be used to establish a precedent that nefarious intentions were in mind in the drafting of this order. In the ruling he stated: “Then-candidate Trump’s campaign statements reveal that on numerous occasions, he expressed anti-Muslim sentiment, as well as his intent, if elected, to ban Muslims from the United States.” This ruling is just the first of two that are expected, as the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals is also deliberating on Trump’s travel ban.
Analysis
After the ruling Attorney General Jeff Sessions stated that the administration would appeal the case to the Supreme Court. This case meets the two criteria for a Supreme Court case, the first being that the federal government is appealing the case, and the second being that t it involves a nationwide injunction. Therefore, it is very likely that the Supreme Court will decide to hear the case. If the Supreme Court does decide to hear the case it is unclear which way it would rule as the conservatives have a 5-4 majority on the court. However, in a lot of recent cases, Republican-appointed Justice Anthony Kennedy has sided with the liberal justices.
Engagement Resources
- Local Options for Protecting Immigrants – This document hosted by the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights notes what steps local governments can take to protect immigrants against federal government actions.
- Resistance Manual – Crisis Resources: If you know someone who is facing immigration troubles, please share this compendium of legal resources and relevant nonprofit organizations with them.
- Immigration Volunteer Search – Search for immigration volunteer opportunities near you, and do your part to help those under siege from Trump’s policies.
This brief was compiled by William Lucier. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact william@usresistnews.org.
