Lofgren statement on "extreme vetting" executive order

Statement

U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D- Calif.), Senior Democrat on the House Judiciary Immigration and Border Security Subcommittee, issued the following statement today after President Trump announced executive actions:

"I will undertake a legal analysis of President Trump's executive order today, and will issue a comprehensive review soon. However, it is clear that the effects of today's orders will be discriminatory and isolationist. They are un-American, driven by xenophobia, and will damage our nation's standing around the world.

"Trump's actions appear to lay the foundation for a total ban on Muslims from entry to the United States -- an unprecedented and deeply worrisome development. He further proposes to slash the overall refugee program dramatically and intends to place additional burdens to those who might remain eligible for safe haven.

"Perhaps most troubling, today's executive order -- issued on Holocaust Remembrance Day, no less -- recalls a dark episode in American history. Just over 75 years ago, a ship called the St. Louis, carrying nearly a thousand Jews fleeing Nazi Germany, sailed so close to the United States that passengers could see the lights of Miami. But rather than welcome these refugees, America turned them away. Many of these Jewish refugees were killed by the Nazi's when they were forced to return to Europe.

"Making sure that such a tragedy never happens again became the bedrock of U.S. and international refugee and asylum law and policy. Mr. Trump's actions today upend this foundational principle and endanger millions all over the world."

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