Trump travel ban: Seattle judge issues nationwide block

A temporary nationwide block on President Donald Trump's ban on travellers from seven mainly Muslim nations was issued by a US judge in Seattle. Federal Judge James Robart ruled against government lawyers' claims that US states did not have the right to challenge Trump's executive order. Last week's order has led to protests at US airports, at least 60,000 visas have since been rescinded. The Justice Department now plans to file an emergency stay of the ruling. Trump's order brought in a suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days. There is also an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees. The lawsuit against President Trump's ban was initially filed by Washington state, with Minnesota joining later.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson has described the ban as illegal and unconstitutional, because it discriminates against people on the ground of their religion. President Trump says that his directive is aimed at protecting America.

A number of state attorney generals have said the order is unconstitutional. Several federal judges have temporarily halted the deportation of visa holders, but the Seattle ruling is the first to be applicable nationwide. Courts in at least four other states - Virginia, New York, Massachusetts and Michigan - are hearing cases challenging Mr Trump's executive order. Earlier on Friday, a judge in Boston declined to extend a temporary ban that prohibited the detention or removal of foreigners legally authorised to come to America.