Judge blocks Trump order pausing refugee admissions

 By Ken Camp/Baptist Standard - Posted at Baptist Press:

Published February 26, 2025

SEATTLE (BP) – A federal judge in Seattle issued a preliminary injunction blocking President Donald Trump’s executive order to suspend refugee admissions, saying the president likely exceeded his authority.

Three faith-based refugee service agencies – Church World Service, Lutheran Community Services Northwest and Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) – and nine individual refugees sued the Trump administration after the government froze funding for refugee admissions.

U.S. District Court Judge Jamal Whitehead said on Feb. 25 the president’s executive order probably “crossed the line” of separation of powers by nullifying a law Congress passed, the Washington State Standard reported.

“To be sure, the president has substantial discretion … to suspend refugee admissions. But that authority is not limitless,” Whitehead said.

The judge, who issued his ruling from the bench, indicated he will issue a full rationale in a written opinion within a few days.

August Flentje, a lawyer with the U.S. Department of Justice, told the judge the government probably will appeal. He asserted the executive order was well within the president’s authority to deny entry to foreigners whose admission to the United States would “be detrimental to the interests” of the nation.

Trump issued the executive order, “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program,” on Jan. 20, asserting the nation had been “inundated” with migrants and refugees.

“The United States lacks the ability to absorb large numbers of migrants, and in particular, refugees, into its communities in a manner that does not compromise the availability of resources for Americans, that protects their safety and security, and that ensures the appropriate assimilation of refugees,” the order stated.

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Additional Information:

• CWS Challenges Suspension of Refugee Resettlement Program and Freeze of Refugee Funding | CWS
• New Lawsuit Challenges Trump Suspension of Refugee Resettlement Program and Freeze of Refugee Funding | International Refugee Assistance Project
• HIAS Applauds Federal Court’s Ruling Blocking Suspension of Refugee Program | HIAS
• Ministries Claim Legal Victories on Refugee Aid – MinistryWatch