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The Voter’s Speakeasy featuring unbiased reporting and insight into life at Vote Smart from our staff, interns, and volunteers.
Is it a Muslim Ban?
Many voters don’t like to read–I’ve probably lost those voters already. Politicians use titles and labels to steer the conversation in whatever direction they choose–think Trumpcare vs. Better Care Reconciliation Act. This was no different with the President’s “Travel Ban.” Because many are unlikely to read the executive order, the labels and titles attached to it have a lot of influence into its perceived impact. Is it a Muslim Ban? A Travel Ban? Or extreme vetting?
After several roadblocks, the Supreme Court has, by a unanimous decision, allowed part of the “Travel Ban” (formally titled Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States) to go into effect. Since its inception, this executive order has received criticism for its restrictions that would limit entry from certain predominantly Muslim nations to the US.
Before the Executive Order was signed, many were concerned that Donald Trump intended on barring entry for individuals because of their religion. This “ban” was arguably a major position on Donald Trump’s platform during his campaign and was a topic of interest in the debates. During the primary, some Republican opponents including Kasich, Fiorina, Bush, Rubio, and, Christie all expressed some level of concern or opposition.
Trump did not call his position a “Muslim Ban,” but in a press release on his campaign website from December 7, 2015, that has since been removed, he called for a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” With no additional context indicating ...
