Judge Blocks Indiana Anti-Refugee Order

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence’s order to ban state agencies from helping Syrian refugees resettle was blocked by a federal judge Monday. U.S. District Judge Tanya Walton Pratt granted a request for a preliminary injunction from Exodus Refugee Immigration, which helps resettle refugees in Indiana. The group filed a lawsuit after Pence issued his order in November, arguing that withholding federal grant money would hurt aid groups in their efforts to help Syrian refugees. Pratt said withholding money from the aid group “in no way furthers the state’s asserted interest in the safety of Indiana residents” and that the governor’s order “clearly discriminates against Syrian refugees.” Pence released a statement saying he would quickly appeal.