A federal judge has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at suspending the nation's refugee resettlement program. The ruling came from U.S. District Judge Jamal Whitehead, who stated the executive order likely violates the Refugee Act of 1980, the Administrative Procedure Act, and the Fifth Amendment's due process clause.
During Tuesday's hearing, Judge Whitehead remarked, "The president has substantial discretion ... to suspend refugee admissions. But the authority is not limitless." His ruling was influenced by legal action taken by several aid groups including the Refugee Assistance Project, Church World Service, and agencies such as HIAS, which argued Trump's executive order contradicted the established system set up by Congress. "We are relieved the court has recognized the immediate harm our plaintiffs have experienced and granted our motion for a preliminary injunction," said Laurie Ball Cooper, vice president of U.S. Legal Programs at the International Refugee Assistance Project.
Meanwhile, Trump’s administration continues to grapple with trade policies as well. On the same day, the Commerce Department announced it would investigate the possibility of implementing tariffs on copper imports, which officials assert threaten national security due to its importance for military infrastructure. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick stressed, "American industries depend on copper and it should be made in America. No exemptions, no exceptions."
Surprisingly, the United States has been exporting more copper than it has imported with a notable trade balance, which raises questions about the administration’s trade strategies.
On another front, the Trump administration was ordered to temporarily reinstate six probationary federal workers who were unexpectedly fired. Hampton Dellinger, who was at the helm of the Office of Special Counsel prior to his dismissal, initiated legal action over concerns related to the legality of this mass firing, arguing it violated federal laws governing personnel practices.
Due to this case, the Merit Systems Protection Board issued a 45-day stay on the firings, prompting the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, Housing and Urban Development, Office of Personnel Management, and Veterans Affairs to submit evidence of compliance with the board's order.
The backdrop of these events lies within Trump’s earlier actions upon assuming office, where he enacted sweeping immigration reform measures alongside other contentious policies. Immediately, he took significant steps to limit immigration and halt the refugee admissions program for several months thereafter, claiming it was detrimental to U.S. interests.
Trump’s administration has seen various controversies surrounding personnel moves and procedural changes aimed at reshaping government operations and trade policies. The actions of his administration continue to face scrutiny not only from opposition lawmakers but also from groups devoted to refugee support and worker rights.
Statements from Dellinger and Cooper highlight the conflict between the administration's aggressive stance on immigration and the legal protections established for both refugees and federal employees. The upcoming decisions from both courts and regulatory agencies remain uncertain but will be pivotal for shaping the administration’s legacy.