The ruling continues streak of legal action against the executive order.
Today the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the restraining order on President Trump’s travel ban, ruling it discriminatory. Since President Trump first issued his executive order on immigrants and refugees in January, it has been met with fierce legal action, being challenged in appeals courts across the country. If enacted, the order would have blocked visa issuances to citizens of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen and suspended the refugee admission program for 120 days. The case will now likely go to the Supreme Court.
Oxfam was proud to file an amicus brief in support of plaintiffs challenging the executive order. The ban, if implemented, potentially puts the lives of tens of thousands of people at risk worldwide and poses a direct threat to Oxfam’s humanitarian mission.
In response, Oxfam America President Raymond C. Offenheiser said, “Oxfam celebrates the US Fourth Circuit court’s ruling today to continue blocking the Trump Administration’s dangerous and discriminatory executive order on refugees and immigration. Today’s decision is a victory for tolerance and freedom.
“This ban has left thousands of refugees in legal limbo, watching as the opportunity to be resettled in the United States slips through their fingers. Many people have been forced to give up their hopes that they might ever be able to find safety in the United States.
“This has been a hard-fought decision that does not end today. As this case and another in the 9th circuit make their way through the courts, Oxfam remains steadfast in our commitment to welcome and protect refugees and immigrants to the United States and will fight to uphold this proud legacy. As Americans, we must continue to open our hearts and doors to innocent people in search of refuge so that our country can live up to the noble values upon which this country was founded.
“Oxfam works with people whose lives have been torn apart during crises like those in the countries targeted by the ban, providing life-saving humanitarian aid and longer term support to rebuild their lives. Every day we meet refugees and other people on the move who demonstrate amazing strength and hope in the midst of unthinkable uncertainty and suffering. We believe the United States has both a moral and legal duty to welcome these people during their greatest time of need.”