Hagens Berman has joined the Washington state Attorney General in its effort to challenge President Donald Trump's Jan. 27, 2016 Executive Order. The firm is representing the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) in the amicus portion in the state of Washington's filing against President Trump that bans individuals from seven predominately Muslim countries from entering the United States, driven by animus against Muslims.
The SEIU is an international labor organization representing approximately two million working men and women in the United States and Canada employed in the private and public sectors. In the State of Washington alone, SEIU’s local union membership exceeds 100,000. Members include public school teachers, janitors, security officers, nurses, and long-term care workers who provide quality healthcare, education, and building services to Washington residents.
According to the filing, many of SEIU’s Washington-resident members are foreign-born U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or immigrants authorized to work in the United States. And many of SEIU’s Washington-resident members have mixed-status families.
If allowed to stand, the Executive Order will bring profound immediate and irreparable harm, and is already wreaking havoc on the state of Washington and members of the SEIU. The amicus details the order's violation of the Constitution's ban on discrimination based on national origin and religion.
The Executive Order also violates the Due Process Clause of the Constitution by denying lawful permanent residents and visa-holders the ability to enter Washington without notice and the opportunity to be heard, and others of the statutory right to seek asylum. Finally, the Executive Order violates the Immigration and Nationality Act’s prohibition on discrimination in the issuance of visas based on nationality, place of birth or place of residence.
As stated by the SEIU, "Trump’s order means these caregivers face travel bans, could be unable to reunite with families, and will face more hate and discrimination in our community." SEIU members work in industries that touch Washington residents’ daily lives.
The State of Washington is obliged to protect the safety and prosperity of its residents, and Hagens Berman is pleased to join the state Attorney General and other parties in the fight to do just that.
In addition, the firm believes that President Trump’s personal attacks on Judge Robart show a disdain for the separation of powers doctrine that is troubling. Judge Robart is a judge duly appointed pursuant to Article III of the Constitution and is not a “so-called judge” as described by President Trump.
