Donald Trump: Aliens have 'no constitutional rights' to enter US
After a judge ordered Mr Trump's travel restrictions to be halted, federal lawyers are asking for the ruling to be reversed.
Sunday 5 February 2017 09:06, UK
The US Department of Justice has said aliens have "no constitutional rights" to enter the country - as it appeals against a judge's ruling which suspended President Trump's travel ban.
Judge James Robart blocked the controversial executive order, which temporarily prevents citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US.
His ruling halted the ban across the US but enraged President Trump, who hit back at the "so-called judge" in a series of tweets.
The federal government's request, filed with the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals, asks for the judge's order to be lifted.
It warns that blocking the executive order is harming the public and that it is necessary "to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism".
The appeal adds it is a basic principle that "an alien seeking initial admission to the United States requests a privilege and has no constitutional rights regarding his application".
A panel of three judges will decide whether to uphold Judge Robart's order or suspend it pending a full appeal.
"We'll win. For the safety of our country, we'll win," Mr Trump told reporters.
Thousands of travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen have been scrambling to catch flights to America since Friday's ruling.
Airlines such as Qatar Airways, Iberia, Air France, Etihad and Lufthansa have resumed flights to the US.
Those who have valid visas or green cards are being urged to travel immediately.
President Trump promised to overturn the "ridiculous" order and tweeted that it "essentially takes law enforcement away from our country".
In another post on Saturday, Mr Trump added: "Because the ban was lifted by a judge, many very bad and dangerous people may be pouring into our country."
It is unusual for a president to attack a member of the judiciary as the US Constitution designates it as a check to the power of the executive branch and Congress.
In an interview with ABC, Vice President Mike Pence said he did not think Mr Trump's criticism of the judge undermined the separation of powers, adding: "I think the American people are very accustomed to this president speaking his mind and speaking very straight with them."
President Trump had justified the ban by saying it would stop terrorism - even though no American has died as a result of a terrorist act by someone from one of the seven countries on US soil since 9/11.
He also tweeted that some Middle Eastern countries agreed with the ban because "they know if certain people are allowed in it's death & destruction!"
Protesters took to the streets of London on Saturday to vent their anger at a ban that many believe is racist, unfair and divisive.
Demonstrators set off from the US embassy and walked towards Downing Street as they called for British Prime Minister Theresa May to downgrade Mr Trump's state visit, which is scheduled for later this year.