US: Judge blocks Trump order that paused refugee admissions

A federal judge in Seattle has blocked United States President, Donald Trump’s executive order that paused the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program, ruling that it likely exceeded the president’s authority.

“The president has substantial discretion to suspend refugee admissions. But that authority is not limitless,” U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead stated in his decision on Tuesday. 

“He cannot ignore Congress’ detailed framework for refugee admissions and the limits it places on the president’s ability to suspend the same.”

Whitehead noted that the order’s impact, including halted admissions, staff layoffs at refugee agencies, and the indefinite suspension of family reunification, amounted to an “effective nullification of congressional will.” He also found that its implementation “likely violates bedrock principles of administrative law.”

In issuing the injunction, Whitehead stressed the necessity of judicial intervention, stating that “our system of separated powers demands no less.”

The Justice Department and the White House have not yet responded to requests for comment.

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Attorneys for the plaintiffs argued that immediate action was crucial, as the order, signed on Trump’s first day back in office, had put their clients in danger.

“Like Humpty Dumpty falling off the brick wall, pieces are being broken that will not be put together by immediate relief,” said plaintiff attorney Deepa Alagesan, clarifying that her challenge targeted the agencies enforcing the order rather than the order itself.

The lawsuit contended that both the refugee suspension and its enforcement by federal agencies were unlawful, as they violated Congress’ authority over immigration laws. It further argued that the State Department’s stop-work orders disregarded “basic regulatory requirements.”

In response, the Justice Department defended the president’s actions, asserting in court filings that Trump was “acting pursuant to his statutory and constitutional authority to make determinations regarding national security and the admission of aliens.”

During the hearing, Whitehead pointed to claims of refugees being separated from their families and others languishing in processing delays for months. “Aren’t these textbook examples of harms that can’t be undone with money damages?” he asked.

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