An Indianapolis federal judge has granted the request for a preliminary injunction against the order of Governor Mike Pence barring state agencies from barring Syrian refugees resettle in Indiana.
Exodus Refugee Immigration, which requested for an injunction, contended that the change would hurt aid groups by withholding reimbursements for housings and medical care to assist Syrian refugees.
Indiana was one of the two-dozen states, most with Republican governors, that have taken similar action to suspend Syrian resettlement programs.
Judge Tanya Walton Pratt said that the State's conduct clearly discriminated Syrian refugees based on their national origin.
However, Pence directed the Office the Indiana Attorney General to seek an immediate stay and appeal.
He reminded the national government that it is his job as a governor to put premium on the safety and security of his people.
The governor contended that the reason of his suspension order was based on the gaps in the screening for Syrian refugees.
The Indiana Governor further stated that he will continue every legal means to suspend the program unless and until the federal officials take take steps in ensuring the safety and security of Indiana citizens.
With conviction, he concluded in his statement, "I suspended participation by the State of Indiana in the Syrian refugee resettlement program and I stand by that decision."
Meanwhile, ACLU of Indiana released a statement that the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution demands that all of the refugees who are extensively vetted and finally approved by the federal government be treated equally.
As per the deputy director of the ACLU's Immigrants' Right Project, he said that the said ruling put brakes on Governor Pence's end run around the Constitution.
"By trying to block Syrian families based solely on their nationality, Indiana is flouting federal law, the U.S. Constitution, and our fundamental American values of providing refuge for families fleeing war and violence," she added.
