Attorney General Jeff Sessions defended President Trump’s travel ban on Wednesday morning just before the Supreme Court heard arguments in the highly-anticipated case.
The attorney general said the executive order, which restricts travel to the U.S. from seven countries, was the result of a “worldwide review” of information shared with the U.S. from foreign governments as well as other risk factors.
“President Trump has been steadfast in his commitment to the safety and security of all Americans,” Sessions said in a statement. “The Constitution and acts of Congress confer on the President broad discretion and authority to protect the United States from all foreign and domestic threats.”
Sessions said the Justice Department is looking forward to “defending the order’s lawfulness today in the Supreme Court.”
Solicitor General Noel Francisco is arguing the case before the justices on behalf of the Trump administration. Former Acting Solicitor General Neal Katyal, who worked in the Obama administration, is arguing for the challengers, which includes the state of Hawaii, a Muslim group and several people.
The case before the justices marks the first time a policy implemented by Trump is under review by the high court.
The third iteration of the ban is being considered by the Supreme Court.
The justices will examine during arguments whether the president exceeded his authority under federal immigration law and whether the travel ban violates the Establishment Clause of the Constitution.
The travel ban, rolled out in September, affects foreign nationals traveling to the U.S. from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, North Korea and Venezuela. An eighth country, Chad, was removed from the list this month.
A decision from the justices is expected by the end of June.
