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<\/a>by<\/span> UPI<\/a><\/p>\nFeb. 3 (UPI) \u2014 Two federal judges across the country from each other issued two separate and equally different decisions late Friday \u2014 one refusing to extend an injunction against President Donald Trump\u2019s U.S. travel suspension and one blocking its effect nationwide.<\/p>\n
First, U.S. District Judge Nathaniel M. Gorton, in Boston, said in a preliminary 21-page ruling that he would not extend a seven-day restraining order that has prevented the travel restrictions from being implemented this week.<\/p>\n
Opponents claimed the so-called \u201ctravel ban\u201d would cause irreparable harm for immigrants.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn order to obtain a preliminary injunction or temporary restraining order, the moving party must establish 1) a reasonable likelihood of success on the merits, 2) the potential for irreparable harm if the injunction is withheld, 3) a favorable balance of hardships and 4) the effect on the public interest,\u201d Gorton wrote in his decision. \u201cBecause plaintiffs have not demonstrated that they are likely to succeed on the merits of any of their claims, an extension of the restraining order at the present time is not warranted.\u201d<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s order, signed last week, suspends the U.S. government\u2019s refugee program for 120 days, bars Syrian refugees indefinitely and prohibits U.S. entry for immigrants of seven predominantly Muslim countries \u2014 Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Sudan, Somalia and Yemen.<\/p>\n
A short time later on Friday, though, U.S. District Court Judge James Robart, in Seattle, upheld a challenge to Trump\u2019s order from the attorneys general of Washington state and Minnesota and issued another temporary national restraining order.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe state has met its burden in demonstrating immediate and irreparable injury,\u201d Robart said<\/p>\n
The Boston ruling was thought to be a key victory for the Trump administration on the matter, but the subsequent Seattle decision represented the biggest legal setback yet in the battle over the president\u2019s directive \u2014 as it effectively blocks it across the United States.<\/p>\n
\u201c[The] decision, effective immediately, effective now, puts a halt to President Trump\u2019s unconstitutional and unlawful executive order,\u201d Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson said. \u201cIt puts a stop to it immediately, nationwide.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat the judge announced today was nationwide; the president\u2019s executive order does not apply.\u201d<\/p>\n
Both judges were appointed by former President George W. Bush.<\/p>\n
Trump\u2019s administration did not immediately comment on either ruling Friday.<\/p>\n