An immigrant rights group has taken legal action against President Donald Trump's recent executive order that effectively sealed off the US-Mexico border to asylum seekers. The group argues that the move represents an unprecedented overreach of authority by the President.
Shortly after assuming office, President Trump suspended US asylum law, citing the need to address what he referred to as an 'invasion at the southern border.' He directed federal agencies to take measures to 'repel, repatriate, or remove' migrants attempting to cross the border, effectively cutting off asylum for those arriving at the US southern border.
The lawsuit filed on Monday challenges the President's use of 212f, a provision that grants broad authority to implement immigration restrictions to control border crossings. The plaintiffs argue that while this provision allows for restrictions, it does not empower the President to summarily expel noncitizens who are already in the United States.
In the court filing, the immigrant rights group states, 'The Proclamation is as unlawful as it is unprecedented.' The plaintiffs in the lawsuit include organizations such as RAICES, Las Americas, and the Florence Project.
The legal challenge was filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia. Notably, the lawsuit does not seek a temporary restraining order against the executive action.
