I was not surprised a few weeks ago when the first travel ban was held to be unconstitutional, particularly given the inclusion of green card holders. Not only was the initial travel ban unconstitutional, it was ill advised.

Despite today’s U.S. District Court ruling against the new travel ban, I do think that it will ultimately be upheld by the courts. This does not, however, make the new travel ban a good idea. I fail to see what national security gains are achieved. In fact, our long term security goals are compromised. To win this war on terrorism we will need the help of good and decent citizens in every country — including those countries compromised by terrorism. Imposing a blanket ban based on nationality will only make such assistance more difficult to obtain.