“This latest attempt by the Trump Administration to ban new immigrants and refugees from Muslim-majority countries, like the first attempt, undermines our nation’s core values, jeopardizes our national security, and hurts our economy. While I welcome the decision to omit Iraq from the list of banned countries, the President still has an obligation to provide evidence of a national security threat posed by immigrants and refugees from the remaining six countries. Omitting one country from the list does not eliminate the need to provide the American people with meaningful evidence supporting this ban. The White House had more than a month to develop their case, and has failed to provide actual justification based on facts.
“In addition, despite this change, by the Administration's own admission, the policy impact of this Executive Order is the same as the last one. This means the same national security threat posed by terrorist groups such as ISIS, who will use it as a recruitment tool and same harm to the economy, as our country turns away researchers, engineers, academics, and entrepreneurs who contribute so much to our economic vitality, especially in the technology sector.
“Refugees fleeing war and violence, who have cleared a two-year vetting process, should not arrive in the United States only to have the doors shut. A few weeks ago we saw children and the elderly separated from their families. We saw families denied the opportunity to consult with an attorney, who felt compelled to sign forms that sent them back to the countries they were fleeing. This is wrong. Recently, I met with families impacted by Trump’s first unlawful Muslim Ban and heard their stories. My message to them remains the same in the face of this new order: You are not alone. We stand with you and will continue to advocate on your behalf by opposing a ban that is not justified.”
Source: U.S. Senator Kamala D. Harris
