Federal judge extends order blocking Trump’s revised travel ban

A federal judge in Hawaii extended his previous order blocking President Trump’s travel ban until the state’s lawsuit over the executive action is resolved.

U.S. District Judge Derrick Watson, a President Obama appointee, ruled earlier this month that the state of Hawaii and a Muslim leader showed a “strong” likelihood to succeed in their lawsuit against the ban. They argue that the policy violates the Establishment Clause and proved that “irreparable harm” is likely if temporary relief is not granted, leading Watson to grant them a temporary restraining order that put the ban on ice.

On Wednesday, he extended that temporary restraining order, issuing a longer-lasting preliminary injunction, which will continue to prevent the implementation of Trump’s order.

Watson issued the written ruling after hearing arguments Wednesday.

{mosads}Trump’s order seeks to temporarily halt the refugee resettlement program and block nationals from six predominately Muslim countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. The policy, which Trump argues is necessary to protect national security, was set to go into effect on March 16. 

The government had argued that an injunction should only apply to the visa component of the ban and claimed the refugee aspect does not effect Hawaii. Watson rejected that argument. 

Trump has said he is ready to challenge the ruling all the way to the Supreme Court.