FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 31, 2020
CONTACT
Sarah Clements, West End Strategy Team
sclements@westendstrategy.com; Phone: 202.765.8584
Rabbi Jack Moline: Muslim Ban was and still is deeply un-American
WASHINGTON — In response to the Trump administration’s expansion of the current travel ban to include restrictions on six more countries, Rabbi Jack Moline, president of Interfaith Alliance, issued the following statement:
“For three years, the Muslim Ban has tarnished our reputation as a nation of possibility for immigrants and refugees. When President Trump first announced the ban in 2018, Interfaith Alliance stood resolutely opposed to the measure. When the Supreme Court upheld the ban, we called out the ruling for abandoning the values on which this nation was founded.
“Already, tens of thousands of American Muslims have been separated from their families, denied necessary medical treatment or lost major professional and educational opportunities — simply because of who they are. Today’s announcement will only cause greater hurt.
“It is no surprise that an administration defined by anti-immigrant sentiment has ramped up its exclusionary policies as election season nears. Last week, we saw guidance targeting pregnant travelers and, earlier this week, the Supreme Court upheld a policy that would favor wealthy immigrants over those seeking economic stability in the United States. These policies are rooted in xenophobia, racism and religious bigotry.
“Today’s announcement confirms that it is well past time for our leaders to intercede. Speaker Nancy Pelosi announced this week that the House will soon take action on the historic NO BAN Act. Its passage will not repair the harm inflicted on so many families over the last three years. But the vital protections of the NO BAN Act will protect future travelers from discriminatory restrictions.”
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