Latest: US Suspends Travel Ban , Trump Slams Judge

US Suspends Travel Ban – US authorities on Saturday suspended President Donald Trump’s controversial ban on travelers from seven Muslim countries, following a court ruling that blocked its enforcement. “We have reversed the provisional revocation of visas,” a US State Department spokesman disclosed.

“Those individuals with visas that were not physically cancelled may now travel if the visa is otherwise valid,” the official said. The State Department official added that the Trump administration is “working closely with the Department of Homeland Security and our legal teams” pending a full review of a complaint filed by Washington state’s attorney general, which filed the challenge. US Suspends Travel Ban

The stand-down, a day after a federal judge in Washington state temporarily blocked the ban, marked an extraordinary setback for the White House. Only a week ago, the president had acted to suspend America’s refugee program and halt immigration to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries that the government said raise terrorism concerns. US Suspends Travel Ban

As the White House worked to reinstate the ban, Trump mocked U.S. District Judge James Robart, appointed by President George W. Bush, as a “so-called judge” whose “ridiculous” ruling “will be overturned.” He added in a subsequent tweet: “Because the ban was lifted by a judge, many very bad and dangerous people may be pouring into our country. A terrible decision. US Suspends Travel Ban

The order which had caused unending confusion for many foreigners trying to reach the United States, prompted protests across the United States and led to multiple court challenges. Demonstrations took place outside the White House, in New York and elsewhere. One was planned later Saturday near the estate in Palm Beach, Florida, where Trump was spending the weekend and where the American Red Cross scheduled its annual fundraising gala. US Suspends Travel Ban

Robart’s ruling, which the White House said the Justice Department would challenge, led federal agencies to unwind enforcement of Trump’s executive order. Justice filed notice Saturday it would appeal the ruling. US Suspends Travel Ban

“We’ll win,” Trump told reporters Saturday night as he attended the annual gala of the American Red Cross at his private club. “For the safety of the country, we’ll win.” US Suspends Travel Ban