NPR provided an annotated analysis of the order: http://www.npr.org/2017/01/31/512439121/trumps-executive-order-on-immigration-annotated that is definitely worth reading.
At the time of this post, the EO is under a Temporary Restraining Order imposed by a Federal judge. 17 States have filed a brief asking that the TRO be kept in place. This list from the brief is a good summary of their rationale:
Washington, Minnesota, and Other States Have Standing to Challenge the Executive Order Because of the Harm It Inflicts on the States themselves.
- Disruption and Additional Costs at State Colleges and Universities.
- Disruption to State Medical Institutions
- Diminished Tax Revenues from Students, Tourists, and Business Visitors
- Irreparable Harm from Establishment Clause Violations
- Harm to Sovereign and Quasi-Sovereign Interests
You can read the full brief here: https://www.scribd.com/document/338596484/17-States-Join-Washington-v-Trump#from_embed
This quote from the President of the University of Pennsylvania, Amy Gutmann, regarding the EO is telling:The damage already done to the lawful freedoms and opportunities of our students and colleagues, here and around the world, is undeniable and indefensible.Update: On February 9, a 3 judge panel of the 9th Circuit Court upheld the Temporary Restraining Order. The text of the decision can be found here: http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/09/politics/travel-ban-9th-circuit-ruling-full-text/ A key issue in the decision was "lack of due process" in depriving individuals of their life, liberty or property.
More on upcoming action in the courts here: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-immigration-court-idUSKBN15O2XS
Have we returned to the bad old days of the Know Nothing Party a hundred years ago? Consider this bit of history from Martin O'Malley, former governor and mayor, that puts today's immigration controversy, especially "sanctuary cities" in context: https://medium.com/@MartinOMalley/the-truth-behind-sanctuary-cities-a40b67f9cd15#.8evmojgmm
Here is a report from Amnesty International on what Syrians who are fleeing there country face: http://www.amnestyusa.org/research/reports/human-slaughterhouse-mass-hangings-and-extermination-at-saydnaya-prison-syria
From the WWII days:
