CAPAC Members Applaud the Repeal of the Trump Muslim Ban on its Sixth Anniversary
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks six 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):
“The Muslim Ban enacted by former President Trump is just one example of his Islamophobic, racist, and xenophobic fearmongering tactics. This targeted and discriminatory action not only separated families but also normalized prejudice against communities across the country. Our words matter, and we cannot ignore how this kind of harmful rhetoric perpetuates hate and violence. I remain thankful for President Biden’s swift action to reverse this decision as soon as he assumed office, but we need Congressional action to ensure this will never happen again. That is why I was proud that last year, the House passed my bill, the NO BAN Act, to provide important checks on any future president so that no one can be banned from coming to the United States simply because of their country of origin or religious beliefs. And, as I indicated yesterday alongside No Muslim Ban campaign organizations, I look forward to working with my colleagues again in the 118th Congress to ensure these protections are codified. This country’s diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and it is important to recognize this shameful part of our U.S. history so that we are reminded to never let something like this happen again. CAPAC is committed to seeking permanent, comprehensive solutions to fix our broken immigration system.”
CAPAC First Vice-Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06):
“On this day, six years ago, then-President Donald Trump signed an executive order establishing the Muslim travel ban. This xenophobic and cruel rule was just the beginning of a deluge of shameful policies perpetuated by the previous administration that separated families and undermined our nation’s fundamental values. The United States is a country of immigrants where all people should be treated equally regardless of religion or country of national origin. I took swift congressional action against the ban, introducing the first bill to prohibit any federal funds from being used for its implementation, and President Biden ultimately revoked the ban when he took office. I will continue fighting for legislation that protects and supports all those coming to the U.S. and celebrates the strength that we derive from our diversity. On the sixth anniversary of this unfortunate stain on our country, we must recommit ourselves to upholding equality and justice for all.”
CAPAC Second Vice-Chair Rep. Mark Takano (CA-39):
“Trump's Muslim ban was a shameful, hateful policy that targeted the Muslim community for no other reason than plain fearmongering and xenophobia, and I applaud President Biden for rescinding it as one of the first acts in the beginning of his presidency. I will continue to advocate for policies and practices that emphasize unity and understanding, embrace the diversity of our nation, and move our communities forward.”
CAPAC Whip Rep. Ted Lieu (CA-36):
“In the first of many policy implementations borne out of hatred and xenophobia, the failed former President Trump issued an executive order banning travel from several predominantly Muslim countries six years ago. I applaud the Biden-Harris Administration for acting quickly to overturn this bigoted policy. Our nation was founded on the ideal of religious freedom, and any action taken to limit that freedom is un-American. I am committed to continuing the fight for religious tolerance for all Americans alongside my CAPAC colleagues.”
CAPAC Freshman Representative Rep. Jill Tokuda (HI-02):
“Today, we mark six years since former President Trump implemented his cruel and discriminatory Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban, preventing tens of thousands of people from coming to our country who ultimately wanted to contribute to bettering the United States—a country built by immigrants and refugees. It was unamerican, inhumane, and defied the spirit of Aloha which guides us in Hawaiʻi and also my work in Congress. I thank President Biden for repealing the ban on the first day of his presidency, but it is critical that we remember these mistakes lest we are doomed to repeat it.”
Sen. Mazie Hirono (HI):
“The Trump Administration’s Muslim Travel Ban was racist, discriminatory, and based in cruelty. While the Biden Administration has taken important steps to undo the harm caused by Trump-era policies, there is still more work to be done. I’ll continue fighting to advance long-overdue comprehensive immigration reform and ensure the United States treats immigrants and their families with respect and dignity.”
Rep. Al Green (TX-09):
“Six years ago, Donald Trump issued an executive order banning persons from predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States. This action, colloquially known as the Muslim Travel Ban, was an utter disgrace to our nation’s principles. I am grateful for the swift response of the Biden-Harris administration at the beginning of their term to rescind this hateful policy. As a Member of Congress who represents a diverse community that includes South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Muslim communities, I stand with my CAPAC colleagues in ensuring that such prejudiced acts such as the Muslim Travel Ban never thrive in our country.”
Rep. Shri Thanedar (MI-13):
“The Trump Administration’s Muslim Travel Ban opposed the very values America was founded on. Xenophobia towards the Muslim community is something that continues to be an active problem in the U.S. People look to come to the United States to seek better lives for themselves and their children. Instead of empathizing with those who want better, this policy created a hostile environment for the Muslim community. Being an immigrant myself, I am ashamed that such an action ever took place. We must work together to create just immigration policies that reflect understanding, diversity, and tolerance.”
Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (OR-01):
“It has been six years since Trump issued the shameful Muslim travel ban. This policy was rooted in xenophobia and hate, and senselessly separated families and loved ones. No one should be turned away from our shores because of their religion, and this abuse of power prevented tens of thousands from coming to our country. It delayed a four-month-old baby from receiving live-saving heart surgery in Oregon. Thankfully, she got to Oregon and her surgery was successful, but it required an intervention from my office and others to get her the care she needed to survive. The Muslim travel ban had a human cost and diminished our country in the eyes of the world. As the granddaughter of immigrants, I am thankful that President Biden rescinded this harmful order on his first day in office, and I join my CAPAC colleagues in continuing to advocate for immigration policies based in humanity and justice.”
Rep. Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07):
“Although President Biden rescinded the discriminatory Muslim travel ban enacted during the previous administration, we must do everything we can to prevent such measures from being imposed again. I will continue working with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to pass the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act to prevent future overreach and to reflect the values of our diverse and dynamic community in Texas’ Seventh Congressional District.”
Rep. Gregory Meeks (NY-05):
“Trump instituted a cruel and discriminatory Muslim Travel Ban six years ago today. The executive order was blatant prejudice toward the Muslim community and tore families apart. I commend President Biden for repealing this Islamophobic policy within days of taking office. We still have work to do to create a process that treats immigrants and those who seek refuge in our country with dignity and respect. America is a country that welcomes immigrants pursuing freedom of expression, worship, and the ability to create their own financial destiny. The unique blend of cultures and religions enrich the values our country was founded upon. Humanity should always be at the forefront of immigration policy.”
Rep. Ro Khanna (CA-17):
“Six years ago, the Trump Administration implemented an un-American and xenophobic Muslim Travel Ban. I join my colleagues in condemning this discriminatory policy and celebrating President Biden’s executive action to rescind it. Diversity allows America to thrive and we must continue to fight for the dignity of every human being.”