The Trump Administration's executive orders on immigration bring country shame, not safety

NEW YORK – One of President Trump's first executive orders unilaterally banned over 130 million people from Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. The orders halt legal immigration from the countries of Syria, Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. Administration officials stated this ban is just the beginning.

“There is nothing patriotic about turning our backs to those in need,” said Council Member Stephen Levin. "There is nothing courageous about closing ourselves off to the world. If fear is at the foundation of our foreign policy, we threaten our nation's most central values. To many around the world, our nation is a land of freedom and opportunity. By allowing xenophobia and Islamophobia to take root, we threaten our standing in the world. Instead of safety, this administration's actions bring shame." 

"These are not values welcome in our City, much less our nation. Last year, I joined my City Council colleagues in calling for our country to welcome immigrants in the wake of exclusionary sentiments. We demanded we recognize the humanity of individuals fleeing war-torn countries and oppression abroad. That call is more urgent than ever. Our commitment to inclusion, respect, and compassion must rise to meet this challenge. I stand united with my Council colleagues to continue protecting New Yorkers from the Trump administration’s attempts to wipe away the progress we’ve made as a nation.”

Beyond Violence and Hate

Stephen Levin is a New York City Council Member representing the 33rd District. 

Like many Americans across the country, I am appalled to hear news of the recent rise of violence and hate in the wake of the presidential election. In light of these troubling events, it is clear the pursuit of a more perfect union is far from over. However, until this weekend, I didn't believe that such violence could find its way into our neighborhood. On Saturday night, after an election related argument, a male Donald Trump supporter punched a woman at a Boerum Hill restaurant. This violent act, condemnable no matter where it occurred, is particularly troubling considering its sharp contrast with our community values. We do not tolerate violence and we do not tolerate hate.
 
Such a brazen attack so close to home dispels the notion that the more tolerant communities of Brooklyn are somehow immune to the effects of the vitriol fueled violence. As Saturday’s incident demonstrates, we are not. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there have been more than 300 incidents of “hateful harassment and intimidation” reported nationwide since election day. In just a week, more incidents have been reported than the preceding 6 months altogether. These attacks not only directly harm victims, they also threaten to plunge society under an oppressive shadow of fear and despair.
 
Though many of us have been caught off guard, we cannot lose sight of our communal values. How do we move forward? Share with one another. Volunteer your time and talents to help your fellow neighbor. Engaging with your community at an individual level is important now more than ever. In the words of Martin Luther King, Jr., “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Let us reaffirm our love for one another. Let us come together as a community unashamed, unrelenting, and united.