Hoyer: Today's Executive Order Is Shameful and Flies in the Face of America's Values

Statement

House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today in response to the executive order signed by President Trump:

"Today's executive order putting in place new vetting measures -- clearly an attempt to ban Muslims from our nation -- is shameful and flies in the face of America's role as a shining beacon of hope to those seeking freedom and asylum. Furthermore, it reflects an authoritarianism and unilateralism that President Trump and his administration believe he can follow. Notwithstanding the President's false assertion he received a majority of votes cast, the fact is he did not. The majority of voters supported policies promoted by his opponent and that Democrats continue to champion. That ought to lead to some serious introspection in the White House on changing policies of this import without Congressional input.

"It is deeply disturbing that this order comes on the same day that nations around the world observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. One of the darkest moments in our history was in 1939, when U.S. authorities turned away a boat filled with refugees fleeing Nazi Germany. One of those aboard, forced to return to Europe but who managed to survive the Holocaust, later recounted being turned back within sight of our coast: "We saw the lights of America, and that was it.'

"For those fleeing the atrocities of ISIS in Syria and Iraq, mostly parents and children, this executive order will be similarly remembered with shame in years to come. Let us never forget that when we close our doors to those escaping war, violence, and violations of human rights, the lights of America dim not only in the eyes of those forced to turn back but for the entire world."

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