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Trump travel ban: Seattle judge issues nationwide block Trump travel ban: Seattle judge issues nationwide block
(about 3 hours later)
A US judge in Seattle has issued a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim nations.A US judge in Seattle has issued a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim nations.
Federal Judge James Robart ruled against government lawyers' claims that US states did not have the standing to challenge Mr Trump's executive order.Federal Judge James Robart ruled against government lawyers' claims that US states did not have the standing to challenge Mr Trump's executive order.
Last week's order has led to protests and confusion at US airports. Some 60,000 visas have since been revoked. Last week's order has led to protests and confusion at US airports.
The Justice Department now plans to file an emergency stay of the ruling. Customs officials have told US airlines that they can resume boarding banned travellers while a legal case is heard.
The administration, however, could again block them if it were to win an emergency stay. The justice department says it will appeal against the Seattle ruling.
In a statement, the White House described Mr Trump's directive as "lawful and appropriate".In a statement, the White House described Mr Trump's directive as "lawful and appropriate".
"The president's order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people," the statement said."The president's order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people," the statement said.
Mr Trump's order brought in a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days. Mr Trump's order suspended the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days.
There is also an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. Anyone arriving from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen faces a 90-day visa suspension.There is also an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. Anyone arriving from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan or Yemen faces a 90-day visa suspension.
Trump border policy: Who's affected?Trump border policy: Who's affected?
US entry ban victims vent furyUS entry ban victims vent fury
Trump border policy: World reactsTrump border policy: World reacts
The lawsuit against President Trump's ban was initially filed by Washington state, with Minnesota joining later. Constitutional battleground - David Willis, BBC News, Washington
Dozens of lawsuits have been filed against the executive order since it was signed by Mr Trump a week ago but this is the first time a nationwide order has been granted - temporarily voiding the president's ban.
But the order could be reinstated once the justice department files a motion to quash the Seattle court's ruling. In a statement the White House initially called it "outrageous", before withdrawing that description.
The executive order caused chaos when it was suddenly introduced a week ago - some travellers arriving in the US were turned back, and protests broke out at airports across the country. The Seattle judge issued his order on the grounds that the travel ban could be unconstitutional - an argument that could be challenged all the way to the Supreme Court.
An estimated 60,000 people from the seven countries affected had their visas cancelled because of the ban. The customs department said those visas would now be reissued, and the people involved were free to travel to the US.
The lawsuit against President Trump's ban was initially filed by Washington State, with Minnesota joining later.
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described the ban as illegal and unconstitutional, because it discriminates against people on the ground of their religion.Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described the ban as illegal and unconstitutional, because it discriminates against people on the ground of their religion.
The ruling is a major challenge to the Trump administration, and means that nationals from the seven countries are now able - in theory - to apply for US visas, the BBC's David Willis in Washington DC reports. Mr Trump has argued that his directive is aimed at protecting America. Critics respond by saying that most terror attacks in the US in recent years have been carried out by home-grown militants.
The administration can also appeal against the verdict. The president said visas would once again be issued once "the most secure policies" were in place, and denied it was a ban on Muslims.
President Trump has argued that his directive is aimed at protecting America.
He said visas would once again be issued once "the most secure policies" were in place, and denied it was a Muslim ban.
A number of state attorney generals have said the order is unconstitutional. Several federal judges have temporarily halted the deportation of visa holders, but the Seattle ruling is the first to be applicable nationwide.
Courts in at least four other states - Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Michigan - are hearing cases challenging Mr Trump's executive order.Courts in at least four other states - Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Michigan - are hearing cases challenging Mr Trump's executive order.
Earlier on Friday, a judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary ban that prohibited the detention or removal of foreigners legally authorised to come to America.Earlier on Friday, a judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary ban that prohibited the detention or removal of foreigners legally authorised to come to America.
The ban - which only applied to Massachusetts - is due to expire on 5 February.The ban - which only applied to Massachusetts - is due to expire on 5 February.
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