Donations to 'American Civil Liberties Union' up by six-times
What's the story
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) reportedly received $24.1 million in online donations post President Trump's signing of ban order. ACLU which annually receives online donations amounting to $4 million was stunned with the six-fold increase. The massive support and appreciation for the activist group was attributed to ACLU's role in successfully challenging President Trump's travel ban imposed on citizens of 7 Muslim countries.
Background
President Trump's travel ban
President Donald Trump recently signed an executive order banning travel and immigration from 7 Muslim countries for 90 days. As a result, many travellers who were in transit when the order was signed were detained at airports, leading to a wave of protests. Activist group, American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and partners, challenged President Trump's executive order in a New York Federal Court.
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American Civil Liberties Union
ACLU was founded in 1920. It is a non-partisan, non-profit organization and its mission is to "defend and preserve individual rights and liberties guaranteed to all people in this country by the Constitution and laws of the United States."
Law
ACLU's plea accepted; Trump's order stayed
ACLU challenged the travel ban on behalf of individuals detained by the government. Federal District Court Judge, Ann Donnelly, who was hearing the case, issued a stay and blocked President Trump's order. The stay barred the government from deporting refugees and immigrants back home as it would cause 'irreparable harm'. Judge Donnelly however did not rule on constitutionality of the travel ban.
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Who is Judge Donnelly?
Judge Ann M. Donnelly, formerly a senior trial counsel, was an assistant district attorney for 25 years and served as a state court judge for 6 years. She was nominated to US District Court of New York by President Obama in 2015.
Lead the way
Celebs and Silicon Valley hail ACLU
ACLU's success in getting the travel ban stayed was hailed by celebrities and Silicon Valley luminaries. Many, like venture capitalist, Chris Sacca, encouraged their followers on social media to support ACLU by donating to them: Sacca even offered to double/triple his own donation by matching others. Celebrities like Rosie O'Donnell, Sia and Judd Apatow urged fans to appreciate ACLU's exemplary work by making contributions.
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ACLU's deluge of donations
By Sunday evening, ACLU received $19.4 million according to latest numbers, donations received were $24,164,691. A little over 350,000 people donated, most of whom were donating to the ACLU for the very first time.