SEATTLE (AP) — A federal judge said he would decide before Christmas whether to stop a Trump administration ban on refugees after hearing arguments that the policy is separating families and putting some refugees in danger.

Lawyers from the ACLU and Jewish Family Services asked U.S. District Judge James Robart for an injunction Thursday on a ban the administration has placed on refugees from certain mostly Muslim countries.

Department of Justice lawyers say the ban is temporary and was needed while officials review the vetting process. They said it's a national security issue.

But lawyers for the refugees say the administration failed to follow the law in implementing the ban, which they say is causing irreparable harm.

The ACLU represents a Somali man living in Washington state who is trying to bring his family to the U.S.

Jewish Family Services represents refugees whose lives are at risk. They include two interpreters who worked for U.S. Army troops in Iraq.

More From News Talk KIT