Federal Judge Halts Travel Ban Executive Order Nationwide

A federal judge in Seattle has ordered a national halt to enforcement of President Trump’s travel ban citizens from the "list of seven" countries.

U.S. District Judge James Robart ruled in favor of the State of Washington's Attorney General, who filed a lawsuit earlier this week to invalidate key provisions of Trump’s Executive Order, including the seven-country travel ban and suspension of the refugee program.  This temporary restraining order is effectively immediately.

Trump administration officials have stated they will seek to appeal this decision.

You can read Judge Robart's court order here.

ELLIS PORTER ANALYSIS:

This decision means the travel ban Executive Order remains halted until the litigation process in the federal District Court is complete, which could take days or weeks.  Individuals from the "list of seven" countries who were stuck outside the U.S because of the travel ban Executive Order should return to the U.S. immediately in case the travel ban is reinstated in the near future.  Even though the travel ban Executive Order is now on hold, individuals from the "list of seven" countries should anticipate a high level of scrutiny from border officers when reentering the U.S.