Travel Ban Remains On Hold As Federal Court of Appeals Upholds Injunction
On Thursday, May 25, 2017, the Federal Court of Appeals in Richmond, VA, issued a decision that maintained the injunction on President Trump’s executive order travel ban.
The court held that the travel ban, which sought to restrict nationals of six countries from being issued visas and traveling to the U.S, violated the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment. The Court’s decision only addressed the executive order’s restriction on travel and visa issuance for nationals of the six specific countries. However, other Federal Courts of Appeals, including the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, are reviewing whether other farther reaching elements of the executive order are also unconstitutional. Lawyers for both sides presented arguments earlier this month, and a decision is expected to be delivered soon. Until such time, the effects of the executive order remain on hold.