***MEDIA ADVISORY***

Federal Appeals Court to Hear May 8 Arguments in Muslim Ban Challenge

CONTACT: Inga Sarda-Sorensen, 212-284-7347, isarda-sorensen@aclu.org

WHAT:
Monday marks a critical next stage in the legal battle against President Trump's Muslim ban executive order. The full Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond, Virginia, will hear oral argument in International Refugee Assistance Project v. Trump. It is the first argument in front of a court of appeals to address Trump's revised executive order (also known as Muslim ban 2.0). A federal trial court in Maryland temporarily blocked key provisions of the executive order from taking effect in March.

WHO:
The American Civil Liberties Union, ACLU of Maryland, and National Immigration Law Center brought the challenge on behalf of HIAS, the International Refugee Assistance Project at the Urban Justice Center, the Middle East Studies Association, and individuals affected by the ban. The challenge cites violations of the Constitution - including the First Amendment's prohibition of government establishment of religion and the Fifth Amendment's guarantees of equal treatment under the law - and federal laws.

WHEN:
Monday, May 8, 2:30 p.m.

Immediately following the arguments, the groups will hold a media briefing in front of the courthouse. More details to follow.

WHERE:
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit
1000 East Main Street, Room 222
Richmond, Virginia

AUDIO LIVESTREAM AVAILABLE:

The court will post a link on its website to real-time audio during oral argument. It will also be livestreamed here.

Additional information about court logistics and rules are here.

More information about this case is at: https://www.aclu.org/cases/international-refugee-assistance-project-v-trump

Read the related blog, "The World Will Be Watching as Muslim Ban 2.0 Goes to Court": https://www.aclu.org/blog/speak-freely/world-will-be-watching-muslim-ban-20-goes-court