(Washington D.C., January 27, 2017)— Today, the President signed an executive order that blocks any immigration relief to those coming to the U.S. from predominantly Muslim countries, suspended the refugee program that has saved the lives of thousands of displaced people, treats asylum seekers who are fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries as suspected threats to our national security, increases the use of costly and inhumane mandatory detention including for immigrants who have no record of criminal or violent behavior, and erodes state and local control of community policing.
Statement by NCLR Executive Director Kate Kendell, Esq.:
“The announcement today represents a direct attack on our most cherished values as a nation. To single out Muslim persons for stigma and suspicion undermines our commitment to inclusion, religious freedom, and our common humanity. Today that Lady of Liberty, symbol of America’s greatest promise to the world, hangs her head and weeps.”