CAPAC Members Applaud the Repeal of the Trump Muslim Ban on Its Seventh Anniversary

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tomorrow marks seven years since former President 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 the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), President Joe Biden took swift action on Day One of his administration to repeal the ban.

CAPAC Members released the following statements to applaud the repeal of the Muslim ban:

CAPAC Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-28):

“Keeping Americans away from their families and banning refugees from seeking safety within our borders, as the Muslim Ban did, was a devastating assault on American values. I remain grateful to President Biden for his swift repeal of the ban upon his first day in office, and we must continue to combat its persisting effects perpetuating Islamophobia and fearmongering. Muslim communities continue to face discrimination and violence fueled by hate and xenophobia, such as the horrific murder of young Wadea Al-Fayoume and the Vermont shootings of Palestinian students Hisham Awartani, Kinnan Abdalhamid, and Tahseen Ali Ahmad. Discrimination and senseless violence are intolerable and have no place in our laws or in our communities, especially in the name of national security. That is why we need Congressional action on legislation that would meaningfully protect our communities such as my bill, the NO BAN Act, which was passed by the House last Congress, and would prevent future presidents from imposing travel bans based on religion or nationality. We must continue our efforts to codify permanent solutions to prevent the Muslim Ban, or anything like it, from happening again and continue to fight back against anti-Muslim prejudice throughout our society.”

CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):

“Seven years ago, former President Trump signed an executive order effectively banning Muslims from around the world from entering the United States. This policy singled out one faith community, flying in the face of our nation’s core value: that all people should be treated equally, regardless of religion, country of national origin, or any other immutable characteristic. I took immediate action against the ban by introducing a bill to prohibit federal funds from being used for its implementation. I am grateful that President Biden revoked the ban on Day One of his administration. The Trump Administration-era travel ban was a stark reminder that we must never take for granted our constitutional rights. We must never stop fighting for our democracy—and for the diversity that makes us great.”

CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):

“Tomorrow we mark seven years since Donald Trump instituted Executive Order 13769, which restricted travel from several Muslim-majority countries to the United States and banned refugees from entering the country. This action was indicative of Trump’s entire presidency—racist, bigoted, divisive, and un-American. However, on the first day of his Administration, President Biden took action to right this wrong and repeal the travel ban. I am grateful that the Biden-Harris Administration governs based on the values our country was founded upon: inclusion, tolerance, and religious freedom.”

CAPAC Immigration Task Force Co-Chair Rep. Pramila Jayapal (WA-07):

“Seven years ago tomorrow, former President Trump’s hateful, disgusting Muslim Ban went into effect. As soon as this happened, I rushed to the airport to try and do everything I could to help affected families. I also introduced the Access to Counsel Act to ensure individuals detained while attempting to enter the United States were guaranteed access to legal counsel, and was proud to have then-Senator Kamala Harris as the Senate sponsor. Trump’s Muslim Ban, based in nothing but pure xenophobia and racism, attempted to stop tens of thousands of people from coming to the United States to pursue the American dream just because of their religion. And in its first 11 months, over 35,000 people were denied entry to the U.S. These policies have absolutely zero place in this country, as diversity and immigrants make America stronger. As an immigrant myself and the Ranking Member of the House Immigration Subcommittee, I vow to continue fighting bigoted, anti-immigrant proposals like this one and pushing for a just immigration system that gives dignity to all human beings.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“The Trump Administration took a hateful and dangerous step seven years ago implementing a Muslim Travel Ban that was rightfully overturned on day one of the Biden Administration. This unjust and xenophobic Trump-era policy is a cruel example of leading with fear. Our Muslim communities, or any community in our nation, should never have to face such discrimination and we must learn from this shameful policy so we do not repeat it in the future. We should celebrate our diversity and always work to defend it from the narrow-mindedness that seeks to divide friends and communities. From the very top of our nation’s leadership into our everyday conversations, it is vital we combat hate wherever it lives so our country is the welcoming and inclusive place we promise it to be.”

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-12):

“It has been seven years since Trump and his administration implemented a discriminatory Muslim travel ban. While President Biden revoked the unjust travel ban, it is crucial for Members of Congress to take every possible action to avoid the implementation of such measures in the future. America must stand against xenophobia directed at the Muslim community and stand against hate in all forms.”

Rep. Nanette Barragán (CA-44):

“Tomorrow marks seven years since former President Trump instituted his cruel, racist, and discriminatory Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban. This was just the beginning of several horrific policies that demeaned immigrants and their families and looked to undermine some of our country’s fundamental values. I am grateful that President Biden and his Administration took swift action to repeal this policy, but extremists have not stopped their attacks on immigrants – whether through dangerous policies or rhetoric.  America was built by immigrants, and we continue to benefit from their diverse experiences and perspectives. We must continue to fight for just and humane immigration policies that reflect our nations values.”

Rep. Debbie Dingell (MI-06):

“Freedom of religion is a fundamental pillar of our democracy. The former President’s unconstitutional Muslim Ban separated millions of families, perpetuated fear and hate, and made our country less safe. Seven years later, we must continue working to restore the faith, credibility, and trust of those communities here at home and across the world, especially during this time when anger and division continue to spread into our every day lives and every corner of our country.”

Rep. Linda Sánchez (CA-38):

“Tomorrow marks seven years since the Trump Administration implemented its cruel and discriminatory Muslim Travel Ban. This executive order was made out of hatred and xenophobia and prevented many people from coming to the United States -a country built by immigrants and refugees.

“Although I applaud the Biden’s Administration quick work in overturning this hateful policy, I am very aware there is still so much more work we can do to create just immigration policies. I will continue to join my CAPAC colleagues in ensuring we seek permanent, humane, and comprehensive solutions to our broken immigration system.”