DOJ appeals travel ban ruling

Washington (CNN and AP via CBS News) – The Justice Department on Saturday appealed a decision to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals that stopped enforcement of the executive order banning travel to the US from seven Muslim-majority countries and suspending refugee entry to the US.

Friday night, federal Judge James Robart, a George W. Bush appointee who presides in Seattle, halted the enforcement of President Donald Trump’s order, effective nationwide.

Hours later, on Saturday morning, the Department of Homeland Security announced it had suspended all actions to implement the immigration order and would resume standard inspections of travelers as it did prior to the signing of the travel ban. But it urged the Justice Department to challenge the ruling “at the earliest possible time.”

Meanwhile in London, thousands of protesters have marched on Parliament in London to demand that the British government withdraw its invitation to President Trump for a state visit.

Criticism of Conservative British Prime Minister Theresa May has swelled since her Washington visit to meet Mr Trump last month, when she confirmed plans for a return visit by Mr Trump to Britain expected in the summer.

Saturday’s demonstration in the British capital involved a two-mile march of several thousand people from the US Embassy to the Houses of Parliament. Protesters chanted “Theresa May, shame on you!”

Lawmakers are expected to debate British plans to invite Mr Trump later this month. An online petition calling for May to rescind the invite has attracted strong support, but May insists a Trump visit is welcome.

CAPTION:

Top: Demonstrators march against President Trump and his temporary ban on refugees and nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States during a protest in London on Feb. 4 .  Photo: Reuters I Neil Hall

SOURCE: CNN’s Laura Jarrett and AP via CBS News

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