Rep. O'Halleran Stands Against Refugee Ban

Statement

Today, Congressman Tom O'Halleran released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump's executive action banning refugees from entering the United States.

"My first responsibility in Congress is to strengthen our national security and protect our communities. President Trump's broad executive order banning refugees from entering our country fails to make America more secure," said Rep. O'Halleran. "It ignores our real national security needs and has created chaos at our nation's airports. I agree with Sen. McCain that "this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security.'"

On Friday, Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting immigration into the United States from seven Muslim-majority countries for the next 90 days. The seven countries, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Iran, Somalia, Yemen, and Sudan, were named "countries of concern" in 2016. In addition, the order suspends the US Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days and reduces the number of refugees admitted into the country by more than half.

"This executive order does not represent our nation's values," continued O'Halleran. "We can ensure refugees and immigrants coming into our country are properly vetted without violating our Constitution or the bedrock ideals of our democracy. Arizona families deserve to know their communities are safe and secure, and I will work tirelessly with colleagues from both sides of the aisle to strengthen our long-term national security."

Source