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CAPAC Members Applaud the Repeal of the Trump Muslim Travel Ban on its Fourth Anniversary

January 27, 2021

Washington, D.C. – Today marks 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 the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), President Joe Biden took swift action on Day One of his administration to repeal the ban and incorporate CAPAC Chair Judy Chu’s No Ban Act into the immigration bill he sent to Congress. CAPAC Members released the following statements to applaud the repeal of the Muslim ban:

CAPAC Leadership

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“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.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“On January 27, 2017, then-President Donald Trump divided our nation and separated families when he issued an executive order that established the Muslim travel ban. This executive order was a harbinger for the terrible, shameful policies that subsequently came out of the previous administration. The United States is a nation of immigrants, and President Trump’s discriminatory policy undermined America’s foundational respect for the inalienable rights of all people. The Trump administration continuously embraced these policies that contradicted the principles enshrined in our founding documents. On the fourth anniversary of the travel ban, we solemnly remember the consequences of this xenophobic policy, and remember the families whose lives were turned upside in its aftermath. We can also look to the future with hope, as we celebrate President Biden’s executive order to revoke the Muslim ban – something I have long called for. In fact, I was the first to introduce legislation to oppose the ban. America is stronger when we embrace our diversity and commit to upholding equality and justice.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“I applaud President Biden for rescinding Trump’s Muslim Ban on day one of his presidency. This ban was a shameful, hateful policy that targeted the Muslim community for no other reason than plain fearmongering and xenophobia, and I am relieved that it no longer stands. Rescinding this ban is only the first step to begin to undo the harms inflicted on vulnerable communities by the previous administration. I am hopeful that President Biden will continue to implement policies and practices that emphasize unity and understanding, embrace the diversity of our nation, and move our communities forward.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

"Last week, President Biden prioritized revoking Trump's harmful Muslim ban nearly four years after it had been issued. It was a policy that undermined our nation's values and promoted a discriminatory and xenophobic worldview. I am glad the Biden Administration reversed this disastrous action by the previous president in defense of the very principles upon which our nation was founded: religious freedom and tolerance."

Congressman Kai Kahele (HI-02), CAPAC Freshmen Representative:

“Our Nation is beginning to heal. Thank you, President Biden, for rescinding the Trump Muslim Travel Ban. Advancing equity in all ways is a foundation of our democracy and we must say no to discrimination in all forms. I applaud the Biden Administration for also including the No Ban Act in their legislative priorities that prohibits discrimination based on religion and limits presidential authority to issue future bans.”

CAPAC Executive Board Members

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“Donald Trump’s misguided and discriminatory Muslim Travel Ban did not reflect the American ideals I love and fought to defend. I’m glad President Biden took immediate action to reverse this hateful policy.”

Senator Mazie K. Hirono (HI):

“President Biden rescinding the cruel and discriminatory Muslim Ban on Day One is just the first step to undo the harm inflicted on families and communities by Trump-era policies. We must pass legislation to prevent such intolerant and divisive policies from ever taking hold again. I look forward to working with the Biden administration on immigration reforms that return humanity to our immigration system by centering on the guiding principle of family reunification and supporting our long-term economic growth.”

Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):

“I am proud to represent a state that helped lead the fight two years ago against this unjust executive order targeting travelers from seven predominately Muslim countries. While we felt strongly that the ban violated the law, we also fought it because in Hawaii our diversity and Aloha spirit define us, welcoming all who come to our shores no matter their religion, ethnicity, color or country of origin. 

“That Aloha spirit, matched by so many throughout our country, was at the core of our challenge, and on this anniversary we recommit ourselves together with so many others to that same spirit that welcomes all those who wish to visit our country or long to call America their home.”  

Congressman Al Green (TX-09):

“The Muslim ban was the first of many Trump-era executive orders rooted in invidious discrimination. President Biden’s rescission of this Islamophobic policy within a week of his inauguration sends a strong message that our nation stands against bigotry in all its forms. I applaud his commitment to confronting and dismantling these disgraceful legacies of discrimination that have no place in America today.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“I am pleased to see the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to honoring our country’s diverse communities and heritage by protecting immigrant communities and repealing the xenophobic and cruel Muslim Ban. I’m looking forward to working with the administration to ensure that communities of color and undeserved communities are prioritized in our policymaking.”

CAPAC Associate Members

Congresswoman Katherine Clark (MA-05):

“Donald Trump’s hateful Muslim travel ban overtly undermined America’s commitment to religious liberty, fueled bigotry, kept thousands from seeing their loved ones, and needlessly endangered asylum seekers fleeing persecution. It was a policy born of hate and represented the very worst of humanity. I am glad it has finally been relegated to the dustbin of history thanks to the leadership of President Biden. We must now truly reckon with the racism deeply embedded in our society by taking meaningful steps forward to build a more just and inclusive America.”

Congressman Steven Horsford (NV-04):

“Our country was built on the principle of religious freedom and the actions taken by the previous administration were harmful and undermined America’s global standing. I applaud the actions taken by President Biden to rescind the Muslim ban and look forward to working with his administration to advance tolerance and respect for all faith communities.”

Congresswoman Susie Lee (NV-03):

“America’s strength comes from our diversity, and as Americans, we must all strive to create a home for people of all faiths, ethnicities, and backgrounds. Four years ago, the Trump Administration issued a discriminatory travel ban that was just the opposite of the values that make our country so great. Thankfully, on his first day on the job, President Biden rescinded this xenophobic policy. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus to pass the No Ban Act to ensure we never again see a discriminatory policy like the Muslim Ban again.”

Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12):

“Today marks four years since former President Trump imposed his racist, xenophobic Muslim Travel Ban. This year, we celebrate that during his first week in office, President Biden lifted this cruel order that has kept too many families apart – an action that has given hope to thousands of people affected by the Trump-era actions. Our country is one of immigrants and our diversity makes us strong, which is why it is imperative that we prevent another baseless, discriminatory ban like this one from happening ever again.”

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45):

“By signing an executive order ending this discriminatory policy on his very first day, President Biden reaffirmed what Orange County has known all along: diversity makes our communities stronger. The Muslim ban was a hateful and xenophobic policy that ripped families apart. I’m proud that it has finally been rescinded.”

Congressman David Trone (MD-06):

“I applaud President Biden for taking swift action to end the Muslim ban and create an immigration policy that reflect our values. The racist, xenophobic Muslim ban was not only cruel, but antithetical to everything our country stands for. I will always stand in unity with my Muslim neighbors and friends who make our community more vibrant and inclusive.”