Washington, D.C., July 3 (ANI): A federal judge on Wednesday struck down President Donald Trump’s order banning most asylum claims at the U.S.-Mexico border, ruling that the administration overstepped its authority under federal law, The Hill reported.
The decision blocks a Day 1 proclamation signed by Trump to end asylum eligibility for all but those who entered the United States through official ports of entry. Trump had argued the order was necessary to stop what he called an “invasion” at the border.
However, U.S. District Judge Randolph Moss found the policy violated both the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) — which outlines who qualifies for asylum and allows claims even by those crossing between ports of entry — and constitutional limits on executive authority.
In his 123-page opinion, Moss wrote: “Nothing in the INA or the Constitution grants the President or his delegees the sweeping authority asserted in the Proclamation and implementation guidance.” He also rejected Trump’s claim of inherent presidential power over immigration admissions, saying such an interpretation would render much of the INA meaningless.
The legal challenge, filed immediately after Trump signed the proclamation on Inauguration Day, was brought by 13 asylum seekers and three immigration nonprofits — the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services, Las Americas Immigration Advocacy Center, and The Florence Project — represented by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Previously, the administration had agreed not to deport the 13 named plaintiffs while litigation proceeded. Moss’s ruling now blocks enforcement of the asylum ban nationwide.
In a statement, ACLU attorney Lee Gelernt said: “This is a hugely important decision. Not only will it save the lives of families fleeing grave danger, it reaffirms that the president cannot ignore the laws Congress has passed and the most basic premise of our country’s separation of powers.”
Stephen Miller, a key architect of Trump’s immigration agenda, criticized the ruling on X, writing: “The West will not survive if our sovereignty is not restored.”
During his first administration, Trump similarly sought to limit asylum by invoking Title 42 public health authority to expel migrants at the border. His successor, Joe Biden, kept those restrictions in place for more than two years.
The ruling marks a significant rebuke to Trump’s sweeping immigration actions and underscores the limits of executive power over asylum policy.
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