In a move that opens up further discussion of asylum-seeking immigrants, Judge Emmet Sullivan of the DC District Court struck down a ruling from the Trump administration handed down earlier this past year.
Asylum Seekers To Benefit
While the previous ruling would have limited the ability for those seeking asylum from domestic and gang violence, this judge’s decision overturns the July ruling. Judge Sullivan argued that the decision to limit the ability to seek asylum on the basis of categorical classification was unconstitutional. This ruling is likely to have a major impact on the way the United States is currently handling issues of immigration, specifically with regards to deportation practices.
Trump’s Mistake In Previous Ruling
While changes to immigration law are entirely feasible and legitimate in the right circumstances, this recent ruling claims that the changes set in motion by the Trump administration are in violation of immigration laws and policies on the basis of procedure. Because the Trump administration attempted to circumvent Congress on these policies, instead opting for procedures that would allow them to skip a Congressional vote. Because Congress is, by law, responsible for the procedures that determine the circumstances required for deportation, July’s policies do not hold, according to Judge Sullivan.
This is not the first time this administration has attempted to work around Congress; it seems to have been a long-standing tactic for the Trump administration since early after the election. However, more cases like this one have recently been challenging Trump’s methods of enacting legislation, pressuring the administration to run policy changes through the normal checks and balances system of American government.
Immigration Precedent Set
In states with significant immigrant populations, this ruling is likely to have an impact. Approximately 43.3 million foreign-born people live in the U.S., and the American Immigration Council reports that about 10% of the people living in Indiana are either immigrants or the children of immigrants. In states like these, any change to immigration law is likely to cause something of a stir. With asylum being a hot issue as it stands, it will be interesting to see what the public response to this recent ruling is.
