As the result of the first — but probably not the last — conflict between the judiciary and the executive at the very early stages of the new government, the Trump administration has backed down from the order that banned entry into the US from seven Muslim-majority countries. The ruling also temporarily ended a state of status quo between liberal states that were facing off against a not-so-welcoming central administration.
The whole mess started a couple of weeks ago when the newly installed Trump administration passed an executive order banning travel to and from seven middle-eastern, Muslim majority countries. The move was perceived as highly discriminatory and there was outrage in the general public — as well as the tech community, which sources many of its employees from there.
The move also saw tech companies register their complaints by way of making donations to various foundations battling against the decision legally. Some of the efforts bore fruit as Judges in Washington state, New York, California, and Massachusetts ruled against the decision, temporarily banning the government from enforcing its orders across the nation. The US administration appears to have bowed down to the decision for now — albeit in poor grace. The administration has notified all airlines that they can board passengers with valid travel documents.
Meanwhile, President Trump tweeted:
The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!
He also said:
When a country is no longer able to say who can, and who cannot come in & out, especially for reasons of safety & security – big trouble!”
As expected, President Trump appears to have taken the decision in poor grace.
The US State Department has also announced the reversal of visa cancellations for almost 60,000 travellers from the seven middle-eastern countries. Meanwhile, a justice department ruling hinted that the White House was not giving up and would take the legal route to fighting this decision for now — that is, by filling an appeal.
The statement said:
The president’s order is intended to protect the homeland and he has the constitutional authority and responsibility to protect the American people.
Meanwhile, a bitter legal fight is expected to follow before the issue can be resolved for good -either way. For now though, people separated from their jobs, education, families and friends as a result of this ban will have the opportunity to go back to the US.
