2 judges block latest version

WASHINGTON: The third iteration of US President Donald Trump’ s travel ban has been halted by two judges before it was to go into effect, with one citing his past remarks on Muslims to rule the intent of the order was discriminatory.

Hawaii judge Derrick K Watson ordered the first injunction on Tuesday, staying its rollout countrywide and as the White House prepared to appeal against it, Maryland judge Theodore D Chuang slapped a halt on Wednesday, just hours before the travel ban was to go into effect.

C huang, who was appointed by former president Ba rack O ba ma, ruled Trump’s order was “inextricable re-animation of the twice-enjoined Muslim ban”, according to The Washington Post.

The portion of the order restricting entry of nationals from Libya, Iran, Chad, Somalia, Yemen and Syria lacking “bona fide” connection to residents and entities in the United States stands stayed, but that on people from North Korea and Venezuela was allowed to go into effect.

The justice department had said it would challenge Watson’s ruling.

The White House, in a separate statement, said :“Today’ s dangerously flawed district court order undercuts the president’s efforts to keep the American people safe and enforce minimum security standards for entry into the United States.

“These restrictions are vital to ensuring that foreign nations comply with the minimum security standards required for the integrity of our immigration system and the security of our Nation.” HTC