However, the predominantly anti-Thatcher, left-wing local councils who were tasked with implementing the new measure were very aggressive with their implementation, and did not apply the exemptions in anything like a fair or reasonable manner. Thatcher was already facing opposition within her own party, and so the media, opposition and anti-Thatcher Conservatives were able to blame the botched implementation on the policy itself, and it was repealed.

Whatever you think of it, the measure is lawful and constitutional. It’s clear the main fuck-up here is by Customs, the DHS and foreign border control for their overly-aggressive application (the White House was clear from the start that green card holders were not covered by the blanket ban, although they would not automatically be granted entry), and the media for their insane hyperbole in their coverage.