On Tuesday, June 27th, the Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s travel ban. The travel ban suspends entry into the United States for certain immigrants (“green card” holders) and nonimmigrants (those seeking to enter for a temporary period such as visitors or students) who are also nationals of any one of seven countries (Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Yemen, North Korea and Venezuela). Five of the seven countries are predominately Muslim countries. In response, Safe Horizon’s Deputy CEO Liz Roberts has issued the following statement:
“We are deeply disappointed by the Supreme Court ruling upholding President Trump’s travel ban. This ban was issued under the guise of national security, but it unfairly discriminates against Muslims. The language used to justify the ban has been offensive, including both racist stereotypes and explicit religious intolerance.
The painful reality is that this ban will do real harm to victims of violence. For some victims of violence and persecution, the only means of escape is securing a visa to travel to another country. In the past, victims have applied for and obtained visas that allow them to enter the U.S., where they could then reunite with other family members or apply for protection under our immigration laws. With this avenue to safety now cut off, victims may not have any other options or any viable place to go.
At Safe Horizon, we believe that our country should provide pathways to safety for victims of violence — regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or immigration status.”