Local leaders comment on appellate court immigration-ban ruling

February 9, 2017 4:30 pm
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Reporter file photo
Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson. Reporter file photo

The United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, comprised of three judges, unanimously affirmed a lower court’s ruling which blocks President Trump’s Executive Order on immigration.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson, who represented Bothell, Kenmore and parts of Kirkland on the King County Council, brought the suit.

The ruling is expected to be appealed to the United State Supreme Court.

Mahmood Khadeer, Redmond’s Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS) president, said:

“Last year, Gov. Jay Inslee took the podium at MAPS and addressed the Muslim community in our great state of Washington. Gov. Inslee told us that in light of challenges across the country it is “not time to remain silent” but rather it is time to “stand together and embrace one another and not allow fear and hatred” divide us. The governor committed to standing with our community should our rights be threatened. Several other state leaders, including our congressmen/women and local leaders, visited MAPS this past year and made the same commitment to our community. Gov. Inslee, Attorney General Bob Ferguson and these leaders took the leadership in challenging the ban on Muslims traveling to the U.S. from certain countries. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled in favor of the state of Washington and rejected the presidential executive order on the travel ban. We commend Gov. Inslee and our state leaders for standing by their words, by their commitments and by their convictions!”

Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)-WA, civil rights manager Jasmin Samy, said:

“Our gratitude goes to Gov. Jay Inslee and to Attorney General Bob Ferguson and his brilliant hard-working team in leading the way to such a decision. Even though this decision is not the end of the legal process, it is still a reminder to millions of American Muslim children nationwide: You have the right to grow up with the same hopes and dreams as any young American. American Muslims uphold the Constitution of the United States and deserve the same opportunities as all Americans – to build better futures for our families and children.”

Here are some statements from local officials on the ruling:

Ferguson

“No one is above the law, not even the President. The President should withdraw this flawed, rushed and dangerous Executive Order, which caused chaos across the country. If he refuses, I will continue our work to hold him accountable to the Constitution.”

Gov. Jay Inslee

King County Executive Dow Constantine

“The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision to affirm U.S. District Judge Robart’s temporary suspension of the president’s ill-conceived ban on Muslim immigration is another set back for this Administration, and another win for the U.S. Constitution.

“The legal fight will likely continue to the U.S. Supreme Court, but today’s ruling heartens all who believe in the rule of law. The actions by this president run counter to our community’s core values: compassion, opportunity, and equity. We will not rest until this wrong-headed executive action is permanently reversed.”

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell

“I am glad the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals thinks Washington state got it right. Thanks to the Washington state Attorney General, Washington state businesses and all involved in the U.S. District Court case, these important Constitutional issues will be addressed. And in the meantime, travel will continue and families can be reunited.”

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray

“This ruling is a victory for the millions of us in Washington state and across the country who have stood up and made it clear that this ban is hateful, unconstitutional, and in no way reflects our nation’s values. I am so proud that Washington state has taken the lead in fighting back against President Trump’s ban on Muslim immigrants and refugees, and I want to thank Solicitor General Purcell, Attorney General Ferguson, and Governor Inslee for their work representing our families and communities and fighting on our behalf.

“Soon after President Trump announced this ban, I went to Sea-Tac airport to meet with the family of somebody who was turned away from our country. I saw the chaos, confusion, and fear this ban created across our state and country. I heard from so many people whose family and friends were impacted. And today, my thoughts are with the refugees and immigrants, and their families and communities, who have now seen that our people and our courts stand with them.

“The case is not yet over, but I am confident that Washington state will continue to prevail. And I am hopeful that President Trump will finally learn that we are a nation of laws, a nation that welcomes immigrants, and a nation that can protect itself without compromising our values—and rescind this ban immediately.”