UPDATE:  We applaud the House of Representatives for passing the NO BAN act on July 22, 2020.  Good news like this is very welcome! 

Advocates for Youth joins nearly 400 organizations in supporting the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN Act). The NO BAN Act was introduced today by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) and supported by many others congressional leaders, including Representatives Don Beyer (D-VA), Andre Carson (D-IN), Zoe Lofgren (D-CA), Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), Rashida Tlaib (D-MI), and Ilhan Omar (D-MN).

For the past two years since the Muslim Ban was enacted, President Trump has continued to manufacture policies that profile individuals and attack our nation of immigrants. We condemn any attempts to vilify Muslims and support the young people leading the charge against this Administration’s hateful policies. The NO BAN Act rightfully attempts to curtail these discriminatory policies.

In short, the NO BAN Act would end the harmful Muslim Ban and put in place critical protections against future discriminatory bans by a xenophobic president. In addition, the legislation seeks changes to the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) by outlawing discrimination in the entry of immigrants or nonimmigrants based on religion, in addition to the current protections that already exist (e.g. race, sex, nationality, among others). Furthermore, the bill amends the provision of the INA that has granted presidents authority to suspend or restrict the entry of non-citizens by limiting this authority to align with responsible uses of the power by prior administrations.

We are a nation of immigrants – and no twisted legal justification or hateful president can change that. It is time for Congress to act to overturn the Muslim Ban and support religious minorities.