Advocates deliver petitions for relief to Congress on anniversary of Trump’s Muslim Ban

One year after the Supreme Court allowed ‘Muslim Ban 3.0’ to go into effect, individuals impacted by Trump’s policy were joined by organizations to deliver petitions signed by more than 150,000 individuals and endorsed by more than 27 organizations.

The petitions, delivered to the offices of Representatives Judy Chu, Senator Murphy, Senator Van Hollen, and Senator Hirono, urge the next Congress to take immediate action to rescind the ban.

Avideh Moussavian, Legislative Director, National Immigration Law Center: “A year after the Supreme Court devastated communities across the globe by allowing a permanent version of Trump’s Muslim Ban to go forward, we are committed to repealing it and to preventing future bans like it. We’ve already seen the Trump administration abuse its authority to impose yet another ban, this time on asylum seekers. As we prepare for a new Congress, we demand that it hold this administration accountable for the Muslim ban as well as other policies – like killing DACA and Temporary Protected Status (TPS), trying to impose a wealth test on immigrant families applying for green cards and more – which are rooted in xenophobia and a larger white supremacist agenda of exclusion.”

Jamal Abdi, President, National Iranian American Council: “Over the last year the Muslim Ban has torn apart families, separated spouses, and extinguished dreams as President Trump’s allies in Congress stayed silent. Now, with a new Congress entering office, we can finally place a check on this presidency, beginning with repealing this unjust, un-American ban on our families.”

Manar Waheed, Senior Legislative and Advocacy Counsel, ACLU: “Today marks the dark anniversary of the day that America betrayed its constitution, laws, and values and began to categorically ban Muslims. For one full year now, Muslims have been banned from coming to America—whether to attend weddings and graduations, mourn the loss of loved ones, or seek life-saving health care treatment. As with other horrific moments in our past, like the incarceration of Japanese people in internment camps or racial segregation under the notion of separate but equal, we will fight for as long as it takes until justice is achieved. History will not forget this day nor will the people of our country. ”

Lakshmi Sridaran, Director of National Policy and Advocacy, SAALT: “One year ago today, our nation’s Supreme Court allowed the Muslim Ban to go into full effect, separating families and fanning the flames of violence against our communities. The new Congress must exercise leadership and ensure the Muslim Ban is rescinded by passing legislation immediately. Congress has the authority to halt this unconstitutional policy that has been in effect far too long. While legislation was introduced last year in both the House and Senate, it has been neglected. Congress can no longer allow state sanctioned hate to continue and we demand they act swiftly. South Asian Americans nationwide continue to believe that all immigrants have a place here regardless of their religion or where they were born.”

Mohammad Khan, Campaign Director, MPower Change: “The Muslim Ban was the first official policy of the Trump administration intended to keep Black and brown people out of the U.S. Since then, Congress has largely stood back and allowed the White House to plow forward with its white nationalist agenda. Only a few brave members of Congress have stood with the majority of their constituents, who oppose discriminatory policies like the Muslim Ban. With a new Congress being sworn in this coming January, it’s crucial for our representatives to take a stand and repeal the Muslim Ban—both to provide relief for the millions being impacted and to rebuke Trump’s bigoted agenda. ”

Nihad Awad, Executive Director, CAIR National: “The Muslim travel ban violates the very principles and values upon which our nation was founded, and Congress must do what the Supreme Court could not; repeal this ban once and for all. The Muslim ban denies the very humanity of those seeking to travel to or seek refuge in the United States. As a nation, we must not waste any more valuable time and immediately act to reintroduce and pass Muslim ban repeal legislation.”

The Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO, Church World Service: “The Muslim travel ban has torn families apart for two years now, while allowing President Trump to implement his cruel anti-family, anti-refugee, anti-immigrant agenda. We urge Congress to right this wrong by eliminating this policy once and for all.”

Patrick Carolan, Executive Director, Franciscan Action Network: “The principle of freedom of religion is a tradition and ideal that formed the foundation of our country. The Muslim ban goes against everything that we stand for as Franciscan Catholic Christians, and against what Jesus and Francis of Assisi taught and lived. It is morally wrong to single out one group of people based on their faith. We are weaker as a country when we let fear and lack of understanding come between us. During the 5th Crusades, St. Francis of Assisi encouraged encountering ‘the other’ by meeting with the Sultan of Egypt and calling for peace and understanding. Pope Francis used this as an example in our own time by visiting the refugee island of Lampedusa and bringing Syrian refugees to stay with him at the Vatican. We must follow their example and welcome the stranger.”

Elica Vafaie, Staff Attorney, Asian Americans Advancing Justice: “We’ve seen the devastating impact on countless families of U.S. citizens, green card-holders, students, and those with urgent medical needs since the Muslim Ban has been in effect. Although the government has said that a waiver for those families is possible, in reality the government is achieving its goal of banning Muslims. We need to restore dignity and stop this unlawful ban.”