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Victory for Trump as US Supreme Court upholds President’s travel ban
The US Supreme Court has ruled that President Donald Trump’s decision to ban or restrict travel and immigration from seven mainly Muslim countries is within his constitutional authority.
Of the nine judges, five voted to uphold the travel ban while four voted against. The Global Business Travel Association responded by saying it was ‘deeply concerned’ on the impact of the ban on travel to the US.
"It cannot be denied that the cumulative impact of the travel bans over the past 18~months has been felt by our industry," it said in a statement.
"The initial reaction alone to the first travel ban issued by the Administration was swift and strong – more than $185 million in business travel bookings were lost in one week.
"As the second and then third executive orders on travel were narrowed, it lessened the impact, confusion and outcries, but the effect on business travel and the US economy remains."
In a poll of GBTA members last week, 23% of US travel buyers reported that the Administration’s executive orders on travel have driven at least some level of reduction in their company’s travel.
Additionally, 37% expect some level of reduction going forward because of today’s ruling to uphold the ban.
Chief Justice John Roberts, who voted in Trump’s favour, said after the hearing: "Now that the U.S. court system has set guidelines for the president’s executive orders on immigration, we are hopeful that a coherent and durable set of policies can be put into place by the administration.
"Today’s decision should enable the White House to move on to a new messaging phase: Making it clear that keeping bad actors out remains a priority, but making it equally clear that legitimate business and leisure travellers are as welcome and desired as ever in the United States.
"The economic stakes around strong and healthy international travel are too high—and speak too squarely to the president’s priorities of growing exports, jobs, and the GDP—for the welcome message not to become a featured part of the administration’s calculus."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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