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Rep. Maxine Waters: Shame on You, Donald Trump!

January 28, 2017

Rep. Maxine Waters: Shame on You, Donald Trump!

January 28, 2017

Los Angeles, CAToday, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Ranking Member of the House Financial Services Committee, issued the following statement in response to President Donald Trump's ban on immigrants from certain predominantly Muslim countries:

"I am deeply appalled but not in the least bit shocked by President Trump's actions over the last week that reflect just how ill-prepared he is to govern our country. President Trump, who lost the popular vote by 2.8 million votes and was elected with the assistance of the Russian government, has managed in a single week to offend a key ally, raise premiums on homeowners, and implement an un-American immigration ban, all while advancing new lies and conspiracy theories with each passing day.

"The Administration's ban on immigrants from certain predominantly Muslim countries is not the result of thoughtful policymaking, but yet another action catering to the President's small base of support. The order prohibits entry into the U.S. to immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries – Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen – for the next 90 days and suspends the admission of refugees for the next 120 days. This shortsighted executive order fails to make any distinction between people who deserve to come to the United States and those who do not. The order has already resulted in the detention of an Iraqi man who courageously worked with the U.S. government for 10 years after the U.S. invaded Iraq. The order even prohibits re-entry to permanent U.S. residents from these countries, who will now be forced to apply for waivers just to return to their homes and families in the United States.

"The Administration's ban on refugees is especially deplorable. It targets women, men, and children who are fleeing brutal repression in countries like Syria and who were hoping to find freedom in the United States of America.

"Contrary to what the Administration would have the American public believe, the Administration's immigration ban is not even an effective way to combat or prevent domestic terror attacks. Of the most tragic terrorist attacks that have occurred on American soil over the past few years, including the Boston marathon bombing, the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting, and the San Bernardino shooting, none of the perpetrators were born in any of the seven affected countries. The order does not even cover Saudi Arabia, the country that was the origin of 15 of the 19 terrorists who carried out the horrendous September 11th terrorist attacks.

"The President's executive order was clearly motivated by prejudice against Muslims and a desire to appeal to a small group of people who share his prejudiced views. However, instead of making our nation a safer place for all Americans, the order will make us less safe by providing ISIS and other terrorist groups propaganda that they can use to recruit new fighters and encourage attacks.

"Not only is the Administration's immigration ban immoral and likely unconstitutional, it goes against everything for which the United States stands, as a nation of immigrants and a beacon of hope for people around the world.

"President Trump must understand that governing a nation is serious business and his actions have consequences both in the United States and abroad. The American people are not pawns in a reality show, and he cannot simply sit in the White House and sign decrees as if he were a king unbound by any check on his power and authority.

"Those in Congress who remain silent and fail to condemn this executive order will share in the responsibility for the resulting injustices."