CAPAC Members on Second Year Anniversary of Trump’s Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban

CAPAC Members on Second Year Anniversary of Trump’s Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark the second anniversary of Donald Trump’s signing of Executive Order 13769 on January 27, 2017, which restricted travel to the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries and prohibited refugees from entering the country.  

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Two years ago, President Trump issued his hateful executive order banning travel to the U.S. from a number of Muslim-majority countries and blocking out refugees entirely. I will never forget the chaos and pain created by the first Muslim Ban. Nor will I forget the crowds of lawyers and families who came to protest at airports. The Muslim Ban – now in its third iteration, but wrong in any form – is just one of the weapons Donald Trump is using to foment xenophobia and bigotry and drive wedges in our communities. It is simply un-American. We do not create policies based on religious animus and we do not target people because of who they worship. That is bigotry at its worst, and it is part of the reason we have seen an increase in hate crimes and violence since Trump started his campaign. This is why today, Sen. Murphy and I reintroduced the No Federal Funds for Muslim Ban Act to block any federal funds from going towards the implementation of the Muslim Ban. Together, we will stand up to bigotry and put an end to this hateful ban.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“It’s been two years since Donald Trump issued his discriminatory Muslim travel ban, preventing thousands of travelers, vetted refugees and their families from entering the United States. Since then, the Trump Administration has stopped at nothing to wrongfully characterize entire countries, faiths and peoples to further his xenophobic and hateful policies. Families are fearful of flying home to see their loved ones, refugees and asylum seekers wait endlessly in dangerous situations and the strength and integrity of our democracy is hurt every passing day. Turning people away from our country because of where they were born or the religion they practice is wholly un-American and betrays our nation’s values.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“Exactly two years ago, President Trump divided our country with the introduction of his discriminatory Muslim travel ban. Although I immediately introduced legislation to defund it, the Trump Administration continued to embrace similar un-American values that led to a disappointing decision by the Supreme Court. From the Muslim ban to family separations at the border to the prolongation of the government shutdown for a wall, the Trump Administration constantly underminesAmerican unity and diversity. As a nation of immigrants, we must come together to advocate for one another and stand up against these efforts to discriminate.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“Two years ago, President Trump allowed bigotry to trample our Constitutional protections by implementing his dangerous and Islamophobic Muslim Ban. His Executive Order was not only discriminatory, but a danger to our national security and to our standing in the world. This deeply un-American action led by President Trump will forever be a moral stain on our country’s history. Although certain parts of this discriminatory ban were upheld by the Supreme Court, it is up to us to continue to denounce it and stand with the Muslim community against all forms of hate. Congress must never allow something as horrible and harmful as this to ever happen again.”

Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):

“I am proud to represent a state that helped lead the fight against this unjust executive order targeting travelers from seven predominately Muslim countries.  We fought the ban because in Hawaii our diversity and Aloha spirit define us, welcoming all who come to our shores no matter their religion, ethnicity, color or country of origin.  That Aloha spirit, matched by so many throughout our country, was at the core of our challenge to the ban, and on this anniversary we recommit ourselves together with so many others to that same spirit that welcomes all those who wish to visit our country or long to call America their home.”   

Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39): 

“Two years ago, the President enacted the Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban, marking the beginning of an anti-immigrant agenda that has set the tone of his administration. The Ban does nothing to strengthen our national security, nor does it address any of the issues underlying our immigration system. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to implement discriminatory policies against our nation’s immigrant communities and those seeking refuge and asylum in our country. When I and the thousands of our country’s veterans enlisted to serve our nation, these hateful policies were not values that we chose to uphold and defend. I will keep fighting for comprehensive immigration reform, and for fact-based travel and immigration policies that do not discriminate against people based on religion or nationality.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“The United States has always stood as a symbol of hope for those who seek refuge and opportunity. Two years ago – with the unveiling of the Muslim travel ban – President Donald Trump tried to change that. January 27 shouldn’t be remembered as the day he began to implement his agenda of fear and ignorance, but rather as the day Americans rose up in resistance against it. From airports and city streets to courthouses and places of worship, Americans made it clear that our nation never has – nor ever will – shy away from our aspiration to be a beacon of tolerance and justice across the globe.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Two years ago today, the travel ban based on religious affiliation was announced by President Trump. This policy was un-American at its core. Without diversity Silicon Valley would not exist and thrive, as an economic power house globally.” 

Congressman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“In the two years since President Trump imposed his Muslim Ban, this xenophobic and racist policy has torn countless families apart. My colleagues and I are fighting this ban in Congress, so we can unify families and end this baseless, hateful policy. The fight is not over!”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Two years ago President Trump issued the first of many rash and hateful executive orders. His Muslim Ban betrays our values as Americans and unfortunately, the Supreme Court’s affirmation emboldens the president to continue to enact discriminatory policies. America has always been a shining beacon of opportunity, and we must preserve these founding principles.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Two years since the President’s executive order banning refugees, this xenophobic and prejudice policy continues to go against our country’s values. We are a nation of immigrants and refugees, and our policies should reflect that strong heritage – not project fear and prejudice. I will continue to fight to end this ban and ensure our country protects the core American value of religious freedom.” 

Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51):

“Two years ago, President Trump kicked off his administration with an unconstitutional and discriminatory Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban. The ban had nothing to do with national security; it was an excuse to promote discrimination and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Since then, he has pushed forward policy after policy based on hatred, fear, and malice. We will continue to fight to ensure all people are treated humanely in this country, regardless of their faith or nationality.”