Federal Court Judge Expands “Bona Fide” Relationships Protected Under Trump Administration’s Muslim Ban Stay

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2017

CONTACT
Charlie DiPasquale, 240-481-6632, [email protected]

Federal Court Judge Expands “Bona Fide” Relationships Protected Under Trump Administration’s Muslim Ban Stay

WASHINGTON — A federal district court issued an order clarifying the U.S. Supreme Court’s injunction regarding the type of relationships that constitute a “bona fide” tie to the United States and are thus protected from the Trump administration’s discriminatory Muslim ban.

In response to this clarification, Karen Tumlin, legal director of the National Immigration Law Center released the following statement:

“The federal district court clarified for the country what almost every grandchild, niece, and extended family member has long known: that grandmothers, aunts, and other family members are invaluable members of our families and communities, and should be treated as such. The Supreme Court’s ruling may have opened the door to the Muslim and refugee ban, but the Trump administration tried to bust the door off its hinges. In chiding the Trump administration’s interpretation as “the antithesis of common sense,” the district court order provides protections to a more inclusive group and will help serve of the needs of all refugees and immigrants seeking admission to the United States.

“Today’s order once again makes it clear that this administration is willing to play fast and loose with the law in order to suit its xenophobic agenda.

“While a partial ban remains in effect as a result of last month’s Supreme Court ruling, this decision limits its application to ensure that fewer refugees, families and loved ones are discriminated against based solely on their religion or country of origin. For us, and for our clients, today’s decision represents an important step in speaking out against the ban in any form and in the path toward justice and fair treatment for all.”

###