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Judge lifts stay so Washington state can challenge 3rd travel ban

This March 12, 2013, file still image taken from United States Courts shows Judge James Robart listening to a case at Seattle Courthouse in Seattle. Robart has granted an extension to the Justice Department in a lawsuit alleging that President Donald Trump's immigration order is blocking efforts by legal residents to reunite with their children who are trapped in war-torn countries. (Associated Press / United States Courts)
Associated Press

SEATTLE – A federal judge has granted Washington state the opportunity to challenge the third and latest travel ban announced by President Donald Trump.

U.S. District Judge James L. Robart on Thursday granted Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson’s request to lift a stay that had halted the state’s case.

Lifting the stay gives Ferguson and five other states involved in the case – Oregon, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York and California – the chance to challenge the latest ban before it takes effect Oct. 18.

Court documents filed by Ferguson Wednesday say Trump administration lawyers did not oppose Ferguson’s motion to lift the stay.

The Trump administration in September announced the most recent restrictions, which affect citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen – and some Venezuelan government officials and their families.