The Department of Homeland Security has suspended all actions to implement President Donald Trump’s immigration ban on Saturday, a quick turn of events following a federal judge’s decision to block the controversial order.
Judge James Robart ordered a nationwide halt late Friday on the executive order that Trump signed last week. The order barred citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States for 90 days, all refugees for 120 days and refugees from Syria indefinitely.
“In accordance with the judge’s ruling, DHS has suspended any and all actions implementing the affected sections of the Executive Order entitled, ‘Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States.’ This includes actions to suspend passenger system rules that flag travelers for operational action subject to the Executive Order,” DHS acting press secretary Gillian Christensen said in a statement. As a result, airlines are confirming they are planning to seat any passengers with visas.
The State Department also confirmed to CNN that they were reversing any cancelled visas that were revoked due to the ban. They had to revoke up to 60,000 visas due to the ban.
Trump took to Twitter early Saturday to state his displeasure at the ruling, calling it “ridiculous” and insulting Judge Robart, a George W. Bush appointee.
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!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
The opinion of this so-called judge, which essentially takes law-enforcement away from our country, is ridiculous and will be overturned!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 4, 2017
The restraining order will be in effect until Robart considers a legal challenge filed by the U.S. attorney general.