Post by bot on Feb 5, 2017 18:04:08 GMT -5
Broad Opposition to President Trump’s Muslim Ban
Just days after President Trump signed his executive order, it’s clear his Muslim ban faces broad opposition. National security experts, labor and business leaders, and faith-based organizations have denounced this unconstitutional ban that makes our nation less safe:
National Security Leaders
Letter to Secretary Kelly from group of over 100 national security leaders from both parties: “We are writing to you to express our deep concern with President Trump’s recent Executive Order directed at the immigration system, refugees and visitors to this country. This Order not only jeopardizes tens of thousands of lives, it has caused a crisis right here in America and will do long term damage to our national security” [1/30/17]
Madeline Albright, former Secretary of State: “…I actually think it’s a gift to those that hate us… and I don’t think it makes us any safer.” [PBS, 1/30/17]
Business Leaders
Tim Cook, CEO, Apple: “I’ve heard from many of you who are deeply concerned about the executive order issued yesterday restricting immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries. I share your concerns. It is not a policy we support.” [Buzzfeed, 1/28/17]
Jack Dorsey, CEO, Twitter: “The Executive Order’s humanitarian and economic impact is real and upsetting. We benefit from what refugees and immigrants bring to the U.S.” [1/28/17]
Logan Green and John Zimmer, Founders, Lyft: “Banning people of a particular faith or creed, race or identity, sexuality or ethnicity, from entering the U.S. is antithetical to both Lyft's and our nation's core values. We stand firmly against these actions, and will not be silent on issues that threaten the values of our community.” [1/29/17]
Mark Zuckerberg, CEO, Facebook: “I’m concerned about the impact of the recent executive orders signed by President Trump. We need to keep this country safe, but we should do that by focusing on people who actually pose a threat. Expanding the focus of law enforcement beyond people who are real threats would make all Americans less safe by diverting resources, while millions of undocumented folks who don't pose a threat will live in fear of deportation. We should also keep our doors open to refugees and those who need help. That's who we are. [1/27/17]
Reed Hastings, CEO, Netflix: “Trump's actions are hurting Netflix employees around the world, and are so un-American it pains us all. Worse, these actions will make America less safe (through hatred and loss of allies) rather than more safe.”[1/28/17]
Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google: “It’s painful to see the personal cost of this executive order on our colleagues… We’ve always made our view on immigration issues known publicly and will continue to do so."[Bloomberg, 1/28/17]
Brian Chesky, CEO, Airbnb: “Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those affected. [1/28/17]
Chad Dickerson, CEO, Etsy: “We are a nation of immigrants, and are stronger for it. I oppose excluding people from US based on their nationality or religion, period.” [1/28/17]
Lloyd Blankfein, CEO, Goldman Sachs: “This is not a policy we support…Being diverse is not optional; it is what we must be.” [Business Insider, 1/30/2017]
Mark Parker, CEO, Nike: “Those values are being threatened by the recent executive order in the U.S. banning refugees, as well as visitors from seven Muslim-majority countries. This is a policy we don’t support. “[MarketWatch, 1/30/2017]
Howard Schultz, CEO, Starbucks: We are living in an unprecedented time, one in which we are witness to the conscience of our country, and the promise of the American Dream, being called into question…. We will neither stand by, nor stand silent, as the uncertainty around the new Administration’s actions grows with each passing day. [1/29/17]
Labor Leaders
Dennis Williams, President, UAW: “We are a nation of immigrants and our union would not exist if immigrants and non-immigrants alike hadn’t fought in solidarity for the rights we cherish today…UAW opposes discrimination of any kind and denounces any policy that judges people based on their religion or nation of origin.” [1/30/17]
Mary Kay Henry, President, Service Employees International Union: “President Trump claims to speak for working people, but his executive actions this week will hurt our economy and make it easier for low-road employers to take advantage of scared immigrant workers, driving down wages for everyone.” [1/27/17]
Lily Eskelsen García, President, National Education Association: “Donald Trump’s Muslim and refugee ban is a deliberate and coordinated attack on our core values as Americans and on those who come to our country seeking safety, freedom, and opportunity and, in the process, make America a better country.” [1/29/17]
Randi Weingarten, President of American Federation of Teachers: “Among those most affected are college students — as well as faculty — at American universities, thousands of whom come from the seven countries singled out by Trump’s order. Even those with visas and green cards who are visiting family abroad could be banned from returning to their studies. Out of caution, some universities are urging affected students and faculty to postpose any foreign travel. Some families are already finding themselves fractured, as mothers, fathers and children attempting to join family members already here are banned from entry.” [1/29/17]
Religious Leaders
Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, President, U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: “The refugees fleeing from ISIS and other extremists are sacrificing all they have in the name of peace and freedom...Our nation should welcome them as allies in a common fight against evil…The actions of our government must remind people of basic humanity. Where our brothers and sisters suffer rejection and abandonment we will lift our voice on their behalf.” [1/30/17]
Union for Reform Judaism: The Reform Movement denounces in the strongest terms the horrifying executive order on immigration and refugees issued late Friday evening by President Trump. The order signed yesterday is even worse than feared…This executive order will give credence to those stoking the flames of religious hatred, making citizens of every nation on earth, including the United States, less safe for years to come.” [1/28/17]
House Democrats will continue to urge Republicans to stand against this Muslim ban and put our country’s security first.