ACLU Comment on Federal Appeals Court Hearing in Muslim Ban Case

RICHMOND, Va. — A federal appeals court heard arguments this afternoon in the challenge to President Trump’s revised Muslim ban executive order.

The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Maryland, and National Immigration Law Center brought the challenge on behalf of HIAS, the International Refugee Assistance Project, the Middle East Studies Association, and individuals affected by the ban. In March, a federal trial court blocked key provisions of the measure, prompting the government’s appeal.

Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU’s Immigrants’ Rights Project, argued the case before the full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. After the arguments, he said:

“President Trump’s Muslim ban violates a fundamentally important constitutional principle — that our government cannot condemn, denigrate, and disfavor a religion and its adherents. As we explained today, the courts have been correct to enforce the Constitution by blocking the ban. We now await the Fourth Circuit’s ruling in this case.”

More information about the case is at: https://www.aclu.org/cases/international-refugee-assistance-project-v-trump