US judge suspends Trump deportations
A US judge has issued a temporary halt to the deportation of visa holders or refugees stranded at airports after President Donald Trump issued an order barring entry to them for 90 days.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a case in response to the order issued on Friday.
It estimates that 100-200 people are being held at airports or in transit.
Thousands of people have been protesting at US airports over Mr Trump's clampdown on immigration.
His executive order halted the entire US refugee programme and also instituted a 90-day travel ban for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Those who were already mid-flight were detained on arrival - even if they held valid US visas or other immigration permits.
Defending his move, Mr Trump early on Sunday tweeted: "Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW."
On Saturday, amid protests and court challenges, he told reporters the order was "working out very nicely. You see it at the airports, you see it all over."
Other executive orders issued by Mr Trump on Saturday were:
- A ban on administration officials ever lobbying on behalf of a foreign government
- An order to Defence Secretary Jim Mattis to come up with a plan within 30 days to defeat so-called Islamic State
- Restructuring the National Security Council with a key role for Steve Bannon, the former populist right-wing media executive who is now Mr Trump's top strategist
'Irreparable injury'
The ruling from federal Judge Ann Donnelly, in New York, prevented the removal from the US of people with approved refugee applications, valid visas, and "other individuals... legally authorised to enter the United States".
The emergency ruling also said there was a risk of "substantial and irreparable injury" to those affected.
Her ruling is not on the constitutionality of Mr Trump's executive order. What will happen to those still held at airports remains unclear.
In its response, the Department of Homeland Security said it would continue to enforce the measures that on Saturday had affected "less than 1% of the more than 325,000 international air travellers who arrive every day".
It added that the US government "retains its right to revoke visas at any time if required for national security or public safety".
10 Responses to “US judge suspends Trump deportations”
Jesus doesn't love just Christians. He stated quite clearly that he loves EVERYONE.
And that includes muslim.
Yes, but how do Muslims treat non-Muslims in Muslim countries?
Christ loves Muslims but Muslims sure don't love Christians.
When Muslims learn how to live peacefully and respectfully with other religions, then I will support their causes.