It's not about "looking racist"; or at least, it's not about public opinion. A racially targeted measure would violate specific laws and would be challenged in court, likely successfully.
The Kavanaugh rule specifically permits it. If you’re taking odds that this Supreme Court will challenge the Kavanaugh rule, I’ll wager 1:1 against.
Not sure if you noticed, lower courts ruled against administration many times ... they were ignored.
And as a bonus upreme court practically ruled president can be lawless as he pleases.
That was so years ago, this is the point we're at now.
SCOTUS: Nothing Trump does is illegal.
Trump: "does illegal things"
Courts: You can't do this, it is illegal.
Trump: "ignores courts"
Courts: "shocked pikachu face"
It could also be a signal that they intend to take on the world; so they could technically not be racist if "everyone else is a threat".