(San Francisco, CA, March 6, 2017) – Today the President signed an executive order revising this administration’s previous Muslim and refugee ban. That previous order triggered large protests around the country, and was quickly blocked by the federal courts, who determined that it was unconstitutional. The new order modifies the previous order, but maintains a ban on entry to individuals from six countries: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen, as well as a four month ban on all refugee admissions. It also imposes a cap of 50,000 total admissions to the U.S. in 2017.
The president had previously called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States” and had consulted with Rudy Giuliani about how to legally enact a “Muslim Ban.” White House adviser Stephen Miller said that the newly revised ban contained “mostly minor, technical differences” from the original illegal policy. Key terrorism experts agree that nothing about this policy will make any American more safe.
Statement from Executive Director, Kate Kendell, Esq.:
“Despite its widespread unpopularity and illegality, this administration has chosen to re-issue a barely modified version of its original Muslim and Refugee Ban. This comes just a week after the announcement of an office to track and publicize the actions of so-called “criminal aliens.” The administration’s continued attempts to scapegoat Muslims, refugees, and immigrants are despicable, cowardly, and a threat to the values that the American people hold dear. These policies serve no purpose other than to terrorize immigrant communities and create discord and fear. They are a shocking departure from our traditional commitments to respect for religious difference and the duty to provide safe refuge for those fleeing persecution. We strongly oppose any policy that singles out refugees or Muslims for exclusion from our country, and call on all Americans to do the same.”