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.”