New York, NY, May 25, 2017 — We are very pleased that the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals refused to reinstate the Administration’s harmful order banning Muslims – including refugees -- from seeking entry and protection in America, because it is blatantly unconstitutional. The courts have been key to preventing the enforcement of President Trump's hasty and harmful executive order which resulted in chaos and confusion across the country and has also left thousands of refugees in harm’s way.
Despite the courts’ repeated rejection of the administration’s Executive Orders, refugee admissions have slowed at a time when refugee numbers around the world are at record levels. There are are approximately 60,000 people who have been cleared for entry to the United States and are in limbo; we call on the administration to reconsider its policy and allow this most vetted and most vulnerable population to find their path from harm to home.
There is a simple way out of this legal morass: for the administration’s desired review of procedures to take place as the existing refugee program proceeds. The Department of Homeland Security could take this step now.
The ruling will almost certainly be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the meantime, the IRC remains committed to serving our refugee clients here in the U.S. and in more than 40 countries around the world.