Legal Decision
Settled on August 31, 2017
Policy Summary
On Thursday, August 31, Darweesh v. Trump the legal challenge in response to Trump’s travel ban was settled in a courtroom in Brooklyn. The settlement agreement stipulates that the federal government must identify and send a letter to every person who was wrongfully barred from the country, enclosing a list of free legal services that can help these individuals secure visas and/ or other documents necessary for legal entry. Though approval is not guaranteed to those who apply for visas and other legal documents, the government assured that all applications would be processed “in good faith.”
Analysis
Because the number of people affected by the travel ban is an estimate, the number of people covered by the settlement is also an estimate. While one of the goals of the settlement is to find out exactly how many were affected by the travel ban and who those people are, it is possible that people who should receive letters with free legal resources will not receive them. Additionally, the settlement does not cover individuals who were never able to reach US airports after being barred from boarding airplanes headed to the country. Thus, the scope of the agreement does not appear to match the scope of travel ban itself, and individuals who should be able to legally enter the country are still wrongfully prevented from doing so.
Engagement Resources
- Take Action with the National Immigration Law Center: Since 1979, NILC has been exclusively dedicated to defending immigrants with low income. Through impact litigation, policy analysis and advocacy, and strategic communications, NILC advances the rights of those who came here in search of a better life. You can help NILC advance its mission by donating or attending one of their training or educational events.
- Support the International Refugee Assistance Project: IRAP, a project sponsored by the Urban Justice Center, mobilizes law students and lawyers to provide direct legal aid and advocate for public policy to protect refugees and immigrants affected by Trump’s travel ban. You can support IRAP and those affected by the travel ban by donating, signing up for action alerts, starting a local chapter, or applying for available volunteer opportunities.
- Get Involved With the American Civil Liberties Union: The ACLU is a nonpartisan, non-profit organization whose stated mission is “to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed to every person in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States.” They have been actively involved in court cases challenging the Trump Administration on Immigration.
This brief was compiled by Allie Blum. If you have comments or want to add the name of your organization to this brief please contact allie@usresistnews.org.
