GOP governor backs challenge to Trump executive order

The Republican governor of Massachusetts said Tuesday that he will support the state attorney general’s challenge to President Trump’s recent executive order on immigration.

“Massachusetts is a global community and we all benefit from the shared experiences of our partners from around the world to support our economy and educational institutions to make our state the best place to live, work and raise a family,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a statement. “The recent executive orders puts this at risk, will not improve our security, and the lack of guidance associated with such an abrupt and overwhelming decision is problematic for all involved.

“Our administration has worked with the Attorney General’s office and supports her challenging this action. We look forward to the courts resolving this matter expeditiously.” 

{mosads}Trump on Friday signed the executive order that imposes a 90-day ban on citizens of Iraq, Iran, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia and Sudan entering the United States. The order also calls for a 120-day ban on admitting refugees and an indefinite halt on accepting refugees from Syria.

In a press conference on Tuesday, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced that her office would file a lawsuit against the order, arguing it is unconstitutional.

“It discriminates on the basis of religion and national origin, denies our residents access to due process and equal protection of the wall, and violates federal immigration law,” Healey said.

Both Healey and Baker cited the Bay State’s education community in their statements.

Massachusetts is home to a long list of colleges and universities, including top institutions like Harvard and MIT, which have significant populations of international students.