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Wednesday marked four years since Donald Trump first issued Executive Order 13769, which restricted travel to the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries and prohibited refugees from entering the country. At the urging of Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), President Joe Biden took swift action on Day One of his administration to repeal the ban and incorporate Rep. Chu’s No Ban Act into the immigration bill he sent to Congress. Rep. Chu released the following statement to applaud the repeal of the Muslim ban:
“Born out of fear, hostility, and xenophobia, former President Trump’s Muslim ban was cruel and reckless and a stain on America’s reputation around the world. It served no national interest, while senselessly cutting off tens of thousands of men, women, and children from coming to the United States to live, study, and travel. Even more shamefully, the Muslim ban separated thousands of American citizens from their loved ones: husbands and wives, parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren.
“After four years of dedicated advocacy and resilience – starting with protests in airports all across the country – this xenophobic policy has come to an end. President Biden’s swift repeal of the ban on his first day in the White House will finally reunite thousands of families and send an important message that our nation is turning the page on this hateful policy and recommitting ourselves to a more just and peaceful future.
“The United States Supreme Court ruling that ultimately upheld these policies is one of the most unjust rulings in our nation’s history. We must make sure this cruelty does not happen again. That is why Senators Coons and I introduced the NO BAN Act, which will amend the underlying law and prevent future discriminatory policies. I am so thrilled that it is included in President Biden’s immigration package unveiled earlier this month, ensuring it remains a priority. Only by getting this act passed and signed into law can we be certain that future presidents won’t enact policies solely on fear and prejudice. Our immigration policies should be based on evidence and work to reflect the best of America, as a country of immigrants whose strength comes from our diversity. By advancing the NO BAN Act, the Congress can reassert this national vision and begin to rectify the horrific wrongs of the last four years.”
