01.29.17

Cantwell Statement on President Trump’s Immigration and Refugee Executive Orders

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement regarding President Donald Trump’s executive orders halting refugees from entering the United States and detaining incoming refugees, green card holders, and others at airports around the country:

“The executive order on immigration flies in the face of core American values and is hurting U.S. interests. As a country, we can find better ways to strengthen security through increased information sharing, law enforcement cooperation, and the use of biometrics and technology.

“We are a country that treats everyone equally under the law and that believes in due process. We do not discriminate based on national origin or religion. The executive order is likely unconstitutional and should be challenged in federal courts.

“Our state has a proud tradition of resettling refugees from all over the world including Cambodia, Vietnam, and Somalia. We have a stronger economy and more dynamic high-tech workforce thanks to diversity. Likewise, the U.S. benefits from immigration. Our country must continue to do its part to help Syrian refugees who are suffering the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II, as well as others fleeing from persecution.”

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