After many setbacks in lower courts, the Trump administration submitted a new version of the Muslim ban to the Supreme Court on June 29th. Although the Supreme Court order explicitly stated that the ban could not be applied to close family members of U.S persons, the Trump Administration still decided to extend the ban to include grandparents and other family members of Americans with roots in Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
Yesterday evening, the U.S District Court from Hawaii declared that the updated Muslim ban was still unconstitutional, and stated that the Trump administration’s interpretation of “bona fide relationship” was too narrow and “represents the antithesis of common sense.”
U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson ruled that the government cannot use the executive order to “exclude grandparents, grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins of persons in the United States,” nor can it exclude refugees who “have a formal assurance from an agency within the United States that the agency will provide, or ensure the provision of, reception and placement services to that refugee, or are in the U.S. Refugee Admission Program through the Lautenberg Program.”
ADC commends Judge Watson for standing up in the face of injustice and for rightfully criticizing an executive order that seeks to tear apart families and communities. While this initiative is a small victory for our community, our work is still far from done. There are still many refugees, diversity visa holders in dire circumstances, and others who wish to travel to the United States that are still impacted by this Ban.
ADC continues to provide updated resources and information on the Arab and Muslim Ban
As always, we are committed to continuing to provide immediate services to our friends and families who may encounter discriminatory practices and will be readily available to anyone seeking more information.