Katherine BiekThe Trump administration plans to appeal a judge's order blocking its new asylum restrictions.
That rule, issued Nov. 9, temporarily required asylum seekers who cross the southern border to apply at U.S. ports of entry.
The ACLU sued, and a lower-court judge ruled the Trump administration policy is unlawful because it directly conflicts with the Immigration and Nationality Act. That law says people can apply for asylum regardless of how they enter the country. The judge's temporary restraining order is in effect until Dec. 19.
But on Tuesday, the Justice Department asked the judge to suspend his order pending appeal, saying it "immediately harms the government and jeopardizes important national interests." The judge said he'd rule on the government's request by Friday.
There are currently more than 5,000 Central American migrants in Tijuana, Mexico, awaiting the chance to seek asylum in the U.S.
Additional reporting from Newsy affiliate CNN.
