HIAS Statement on Fourth Circuit Ruling on Muslim Ban

SILVER SPRING, Md.—Today, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit became the second federal appeals court to issue a ruling against the Trump Administration’s most recent travel ban, issued in September 2017. HIAS is a plaintiff in Trump v. International Refugee Assistance Project, which was heard en banc in Richmond, Virginia in December.

The circuit court decided 9-4 to uphold a district court injunction deeming the ban likely in violation of the United States Constitution’s Establishment Clause. The order will be on hold as the Supreme Court prepares to hear the Ninth Circuit case in April.

In response to the Fourth Circuit ruling, HIAS’ President and CEO, Mark Hetfield issued the following statement:

“The court’s decision today is yet another affirmation that discrimination on the basis of faith has no place in America. We are grateful for this recognition of one of the most central principles embedded in our Constitution, and will continue to challenge attempts by the Trump Administration to ban people simply because of their faith, country of birth or nationality."  

###