Sunday, February 5, 2017

Executive Orders on Immigration

The Donald just issued an executive order re. immigration that has caused up quite a bit of controversy. Some scattered thoughts:

Let's be clear here. I am no expert on immigration law by any means. On Meet the Press today, Vice President Pence asserted that a president has the authority, under statute and the constitution, to determine who enters the country. Therefore, President Trump's recent executive order on immigration is perfectly legal, and the Washington judge who halted it is wrong and must be overturned.

I find Pence's argument to be intriguing.

If the President has the authority to increase restrictions on immigration, as Trump has done, does he not also have the authority to lessen restrictions on immigration?

I think at the end of the day, Trump probably did have the authority to issue his order. However, if the sauce is good for the goose it's good for the gander, and an executive order going the other way would likewise be legitimate. Be careful what you wish for.

It should go without saying that the judge knows better than me and we should all defer to duly issued judicial orders.

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