Political Talk: Trump’s Travel Ban

Top political stories of the week:

• Craig Deare was terminated from his position by President Trump.
• Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that the American people are not well served by the continued animosity between the White House and Press Corps.
• South Dakota lawmakers passed the Gold Card Gun Permit bill, allowing cardholders to bypass a background check for every gun purchase.
• South Dakota lawmakers this week plan to consider measures on abortion, campaign finance and the governor’s emergency powers.

President Trump created the travel ban (executive order) to stop numerous foreign-born individuals that have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes from coming into the United States. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States.  The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.

“In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles.” says Trump.

The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law.  In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including “honor” killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation (White House).

Mike Thompson, Associate Professor of criminal justice, commented on the legalities of Trump’s travel ban. “The President’s power, I think it’s important that people understand from a constitutional stand-point where this power comes from. Congress has the power to make rules regarding immigration, Congress has delegated that power to the President which is Constitutional, so any time President finds he needs to restrict entry by certain people he can do that.”  

Donald Trump’s administration is currently asking a U.S. court to quickly hear its appeal of a ruling that blocked the president’s revised travel ban.

Lawyers for the president filed a brief with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Virginia on Wednesday. In it, they argue that the matter is one of national importance and should be reviewed as soon as possible.

Courts in Maryland and Hawaii earlier this month blocked the revised ban, which, in turn, temporarily ban travel to the U.S. from six predominantly Muslim countries.

The ruling was a victory for immigrant advocates and civil liberties groups, which claimed the ban violated the Constitution.

Story by Jill Langland