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Immigrant Travel Ban Remains Blocked Following Appeals Court Ruling

Feb. 10, 2017
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2 min read
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Immigrant Travel Ban Remains Blocked Following Appeals Court Ruling
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On Thursday night, the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit declined to reinstate the travel ban instituted two weeks ago by President Donald Trump's executive order.

The suit and original motion for a stay of the executive order were brought against the Trump Administration by the Attorneys General of the states of Washington and Minnesota, who argued that the executive order was unconstitutional and violated federal law. The Federal District Court granted a preliminary ruling in favor of the states on February 7, which the Trump Administration appealed.

In its 29-page order, the Ninth Circuit ruled that "the States have offered ample evidence that if the Executive Order were reinstated even temporarily, it would substantially injure the States and multiple other parties interested in the proceeding.” It also noted that "the Government has not demonstrated that the States lack viable claims based on the due process rights of persons who will suffer injuries to protected interests due to the Executive Order."

The ruling is not surprising, as two of the three judges on the appellate panel seemed skeptical of the Department of Justice's position during oral arguments. However, the fact that the court ruled unanimously was slightly unexpected.

The executive order, originally signed by President Trump on January 27, closed the border to refugees from Syria indefinitely and to refugees from all other countries for 120 days. It also severely limited immigration from seven countries — Libya, Iran, Iraq, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen — for 90 days. Originally the travel ban also covered permanent green card holders, but that restriction was later reversed by the Administration.

Other federal judges have also issued stays affecting portions of the President's order, but the ruling that was appealed to the Ninth Circuit was issued by Judge James Robart of Federal District Court for the Western District of Washington (based in Seattle) and ordered a nationwide halt to enforcement of the entire ban. Shortly thereafter, the Department of Homeland Security suspended enforcement of the President's order and the State Department reversed the cancellation of any visas that had been affected.

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The Department of Justice says it is reviewing the Ninth Circuit's ruling. It has the option to appeal to the Ninth Circuit en banc or ask the US Supreme Court to review the Ninth Circuit's ruling.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.