Stevens Votes to Overturn Muslim Travel Ban
WASHINGTON — Today, Congresswoman Haley Stevens (MI-11) released the following statement after voting to pass legislation to overturn President Trump’s discriminatory executive order banning entry to the United States to foreign nationals from several Muslim majority countries, and to prevent similar abuses by future presidents.
“Three years ago, thousands of Michiganders rushed to Detroit Metropolitan Airport to protest the Trump Administration’s discriminatory executive order banning refugees and others from several predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
“The Muslim Ban, as it became known, remains the most outrageous example of disastrous policymaking influenced by bigotry toward the Muslim community. Metro Detroit, home to one of the largest concentrations of Muslims in the United States, was particularly stung by this Administration’s discriminatory agenda as many Michigan residents learned that their loved ones would not be permitted to enter the country. The Muslim ban is not just counterproductive as a tool to strengthen national security, it is an affront to the American ideals of freedom, liberty, and equality that we all hold dear.
“After three long years during which families have been torn apart and thousands of vulnerable people have been denied refuge and medical treatment, I was proud to vote for the NO BAN Act, legislation to reclaim our cherished American ideals and overturn the Muslim ban once and for all.
“Despite the President’s divisive rhetoric, our national security is not enhanced by widespread, unjustified bans on large groups of people. In fact, senior national security and foreign policy officials have said the Muslim ban jeopardizes our national security by compromising our standing on the world stage.
“The United States is strongest when we welcome those who want to bring their talent and expertise to our country. Individuals from the targeted countries bring medical, engineering, and technical expertise that drive Michigan’s economy forward. Their talents and energy make Michigan’s 11th District a brighter and more prosperous community. The NO BAN Act is sensible legislation that will help restore the American values that make us proud to live in this country. We must never tolerate the targeting or discrimination of Muslims or any minority group.”
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