FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP’S ASYLUM BAN
A federal judge has barred the Trump administration from refusing asylum to immigrants who cross the southern border illegally.
President Donald Trump issued a proclamation on Nov. 9 circumventing immigration law, saying anyone who crossed the southern border between official ports of entry would be ineligible for asylum.
As the first of several caravans of migrants have started arriving at the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump said the restrictions were necessary to stop what he’s called a national security threat.
But U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar agreed with legal groups that immediately sued, arguing that U.S. immigration law clearly allows someone to seek asylum even if they enter the country between official ports of entry and temporarily barred the ruling from going into place while the case is heard.
Monday’s ruling remains in effect for one month, barring an appeal.
A joint statement by Homeland Security and the Justice Department said the Supreme Court had already shown the president had the legal right to restrict asylum.
“Our asylum system is broken, and it is being abused by tens of thousands of meritless claims every year,” the departments said.