The Trump administration formally filed an appeal Saturday to reverse a federal judge’s temporary halt on a recent executive order suspending immigration from certain countries with a known terrorist element.
Trump’s appeal follows Judge James Robart’s Friday ruling which put a nationwide halt on a recent executive order suspending immigration from certain predominantly Muslim countries. The White House vowed to fight the decision as soon as it was announced.
“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,” said White House press secretary Sean Spicer in a written statement Friday night. “The president’s order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people.”
Trump himself weighed in on the decision Saturday, criticizing Robart’s decision.
“What is our country coming to when a judge can halt a Homeland Security travel ban and anyone, even with bad intentions, can come into U.S.?” said Trump in a tweet Saturday.
What is our country coming to when a judge can halt a Homeland Security travel ban and anyone, even with bad intentions, can come into U.S.?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
He later followed up his initial response with another tweet warning that the halt on the order could put the country in danger.
“Because the ban was lifted by a judge, many very bad and dangerous people may be pouring into our country. A terrible decision,” said the president.
Because the ban was lifted by a judge, many very bad and dangerous people may be pouring into our country. A terrible decision
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
Trump’s executive order, signed Jan. 27, blocks refugees from Syria from entering the country and temporarily suspends admission of other individuals from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen.
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