Yet another new ruling on “Remain in Mexico”

Latest appeal court decision could block MPP in Arizona and California

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KYMA, KECY) - A federal appeals court has once again decided to block the Trump administration's "Remain in Mexico" policy - this time in only two states, Arizona and California.

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled late Wednesday, the administration will have to stop making asylum-seekers wait in Mexico while the U.S. processes their claims. However, the ban will only apply to the states under its jurisdiction, Arizona and California.

The decision comes less than a week after the same appeals court briefly blocked the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), only to suspend its order hours later.

In issuing its ruling the court said it's "very clear" MPP may violate the law. The court went on to say "It is equally clear that the MPP is causing extreme and irreversible harm to plaintiffs."

The court said it will wait until March 12 for its order to take effect to see if the U.S. Supreme Court will weigh in on the issue.

On Thursday acting U.S Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Mark Morgan touted the benefits of the MPP.

"This allows us to more effectively administer our immigration laws, including assisting legitimate asylum-seekers while also simultaneously ensuring aliens with non-meritorious or even fraudulent claims no longer have the incentive to make the journey," Morgan told reporters during a press briefing.

Attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and other immigration advocates vowed to continue fighting the policy. They call it both illegal and inhumane.

" 'Remain in Mexico' has already sent more than 60,000 asylum-seekers to Mexico, violating our legal obligation to provide safe haven to those fleeing life-threatening violence at home," said attorney Richard Calderone. "We call on the government to end this heinous program entirely."