Local leaders react to Trump immigration ban
Below are reactions from local Congressional leaders to President Trump’s 90-day ban on immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries:
Sen. Charles Schumer, D-NY:
“Anyone who knows how the refugee vetting process works knows the weakest link in American security is not via this process. This executive order is mean-spirited and un-American, and it was implemented in an incompetent way that has caused chaos and confusion across the country. It will only serve to embolden and inspire those around the globe who would do us harm. Senate Democrats are going to introduce legislation to overturn this order.”
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-NY:
“I repeatedly urged the last administration to do more to confront the growing humanitarian crisis in Syria and accept more refugee families. But President Trump’s actions on immigration and refugees fly in the face of our New York values and the foundation on which this country was built. Our diversity is what makes New York strong and our willingness to accept those in need who are fleeing some of the most dangerous and violent places on earth is what the Statue of Liberty represents. Our willingness to take in refugees is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps make our country safer from terrorist threats and shows millions around the globe that America cares for children and families facing strife and persecution. I will continue to stand with immigrant and refugee families and I will fight in the Senate to protect them.”
Rep. Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring:
“If the president wants to keep out dangerous terrorists, I’m all for it, but shutting out people for their faith and guys who risked their lives fighting with us in Iraq is clumsy and stupid and shows Trump is just winging it. You don’t need to hurt innocent people to keep us safe. "
Rep. John Faso, R-Kinderhook:
“After careful review of the recent executive order regarding immigration policy, I believe that the order was neither well drafted nor well implemented. Given recent events both here and abroad, we need to take steps to strengthen our nation’s security; however, this is most effectively pursued through thoughtful and deliberative legislation. While I acknowledge that the president may act in the event of a national security threat or emergency situation, this process was rushed and led to confusion. There is no doubt that we need to thoroughly vet people coming from countries where there are strongholds of ISIS and al-Qaida. At the same time, we have to balance our security with the need to respect the rights of US citizens and people who are subject to valid immigration proceedings, including lawful permanent residents.”