Federal judge just moved to block Trump's attempt to force asylum-seekers to stay in Mexico
President Donald Trump's plan to keep asylum-seekers at the southern border in Mexico hit a major stumbling block Monday as a federal judge stepped in to halt the process.
Judge Richard Seeborg issued a preliminary injunction against the policy as a lawsuit brought by civil liberties groups moves forward. The plaintiffs oppose the policy, and while the injunction is in place, they could be allowed to enter the United States.
However, the injunction's effect will be delayed until Friday, ABC News reported, giving the administration an opportunity to appeal it.
"The groups say the policy violates U.S. law by failing to adequately evaluate the dangers that migrants face in Mexico," according to ABC News.
As more asylum seekers have been presenting themselves at the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump has tried to frame the problem as a crisis and demanded that the country abandon the asylum system. However, asylum is a form of legal migration, and any experts believe Trump's own policies and choices are exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. There's little reason to believe the waves of asylum seekers pose any threat to the United States.
