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DGA Statement on Washington State’s Legal Victory in the 9th Circuit Court

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DGA Statement on Washington State’s Legal Victory in the 9th Circuit Court

Today, the Democratic Governors Association released the following statement on the 9th Circuit Court’s decision upholding the federal court ruling that halted President Donald Trump’s executive order on refugees. Governor Jay Inslee led Washington state to file the initial lawsuit that prompted today’s decision.  

Today’s ruling is a huge win for Washington and all of the states that have taken strong actions to bring this chaotic travel ban to an end,” stated DGA Executive Director Elisabeth Pearson. “Our Democratic governors will continue to protect their citizens and serve as a vital firewall against Donald Trump’s dangerous agenda.” 

Background: Democratic governors around the country have taken leading actions to oppose and halt Donald Trump’s travel ban and immigration policies.

  • Washington: Governor Jay Inslee led Washington State to file the lawsuit that initially halted President Trump’s travel ban, leading the state to be called the “epicenter of resistance to Trump’s agenda” by the Washington Post.
  • Oregon:  Governor Kate Brown urged Oregon’s Attorney General to “explore what legal remedies are available to our State to resist these anti-immigrant measures in court.” A few days later, Oregon’s Attorney General joined a legal filing against the travel ban. Governor Brown also issued an executive order that “makes it illegal for state agencies to discriminate based on immigration status, and forbids state agencies from using public resources to help create a religious registry.” 
  • New York: Governor Andrew Cuomo directed New York State to set up “hotline” and is “providing legal assistance, to those affected by President Trump’s travel ban, as well as their families.” This follows Gov. Cuomo’s action to direct the Port Authority, the Department of State, and his Counsel’s office in New York to “jointly explore all legal options to assist anyone detained at New York airports, and ensure that their rights are protected.”  
  • Minnesota: Governor Mark Dayton supported his state’s action to join Washington state in filing the lawsuit that initially halted the ban.
  • Virginia: Governor Terry McAuliffe helped lead the charge for Virginia to file a legal challenge to the travel ban. 
  • Pennsylvania: Governor Tom Wolf visited Philadelphia International Airport and supported his state’s effort to file a lawsuit against Donald Trump’s travel ban. He also welcomed a Syrian family impacted by the travel ban to Allentown. Gov. Wolf also said he would personally reimburse the family for their airfare.
  • California: The budget in Governor Jerry Brown’s state of California “includes money to pay for legal representation for undocumented immigrants who might be swept up in federal raids.” 

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