Trump travel ban: Seattle judge issues nationwide block
- 4 February 2017
- From the section US & Canada
A US judge in Seattle has issued a temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim nations.
District Judge James Robart ruled against government lawyers' claims that US states did not have the standing to challenge Mr Trump's executive order.
Last week's move by Mr Trump triggered mass protests and has resulted in confusion at US airports.
The State Department says 60,000 visas have since been revoked.
Mr Trump's executive order brought in a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days.
There is also an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. Anyone arriving from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen faces a 90-day visa suspension.
Trump border policy: Who's affected?
The lawsuit against President Trump's ban was initially filed by Washington state, with Minnesota joining later.
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has describe the ban as illegal and unconstitutional.
President Trump has argued that his directive was aimed at protecting America.
He said visas would once again be issued once "the most secure polices" were in place, and denied it was a Muslim ban.
A number of state attorney generals have said the order is unconstitutional.
Several federal judges have temporarily halted the deportation of visa holders.
