WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) released the following statement Friday regarding the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruling that the suspension of President Trump’s immigration orders will stay in place:

“The President should immediately rescind his discriminatory executive order targeting Muslim refugees and travelers. His rush to act has made America less safe, damaged our relationships with our allies, and harmed countless numbers of law-abiding citizens, travelers, and their families. America is a compassionate nation steeped with a history of immigrants and refugees. President Trump still does not understand that this diversity makes us stronger as a country, not weaker. Instead, the President should turn the page on his divisive campaign rhetoric and work with Congress on a bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform proposal like the Senate passed in 2013.

“Last night the Ninth Circuit provided a valuable check and balance on the President’s authority. This should be a teachable moment for the President on the separation of powers and rule of law, and a reminder of the three equal and independent branches of government that have all sworn to uphold the Constitution. No American president is above the law. This president should stop denigrating judges and members of Congress and move on to a more viable and legal pathway to immigration reform that protects our nation and upholds American values.”

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