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NYCLU Press Office, 212.607.3372

June 26, 2017

The U.S. Supreme Court decided today that the Trump administration’s Muslim travel ban could continue only under limited conditions while the court reviews its constitutionality. The court decided that the government cannot bar entry by travelers from the affected countries who have who have “bona fide” relationships within the United States. However, the court allowed enforcement of the ban for those travelers who have not visited the United States before and have no contacts within the country.

The following statement is attributable to New York Civil Liberties Union Executive Director Donna Lieberman:

“The Trump administration’s unbending mission to ban Muslims is discrimination, pure and simple. The good news today is that the court has largely prohibited Trump’s ban from being enforced. That’s a relief to families who might face separation and it’s a benefit to New York, which should be able to remain a dynamic destination for people from all over the world, including immigrants, students, translators, diplomats, refugees, businesspeople, their families and so many more. To the extent that the court allows enforcement of the ban for people without any ties to the United States, it remains a serious threat to our basic American values. We will not let up in our fight for the rights of Muslims and immigrants in New York, or in our defense of the Constitution.