(CNN) The Trump administration is asking federal courts to pause several high-profile immigration-related lawsuits due to the shutdown over border wall funding. The Justice Department on Wednesday also cited the lapse in federal funding in a key lawsuit regarding payments to Trump businesses. The 4th US Circuit Court of Appeals granted the request to suspend the briefing schedule related to a lawsuit brought by Maryland and Washington, DC, attorneys general against President Donald Trump over proceeds from the Trump International Hotel. The federal appeals court had scheduled oral arguments for March and the opening brief was due on January 22. "Absent an appropriation, Department of Justice attorneys and employees are prohibited from working, even on a voluntary basis, except in very limited circumstances, including 'emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property,'" the administration said in multiple court filings.

Source: CNN December 26, 2018 21:42 UTC