FAIR: 'NO BAN' Act Endangers Public Safety, National Security

WASHINGTON, March 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- The following statement was issued by Dan Stein, president of the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR), regarding an upcoming vote on legislation to dismantle the president's travel ban authority at the height of the coronavirus outbreak:

"Amidst a full-blown public health crisis driven by travel from abroad, House Democrats have demonstrated where their priorities lie: taking political shots at President Trump. This partisan hackery is both stunning and ill-advised.

"The radical NO BAN Act would effectively cripple the president's powers to make legitimate national security decisions and protect the American people from things like the coronavirus pandemic. As the Supreme Court already affirmed, Congress has delegated to the president clear, unambiguous authority to suspend entry to any alien or class of aliens deemed detrimental to the interests of the United States. It must stay that way.

"The American people elected President Trump to make difficult decisions in the name of public safety and the national interest. For House Democrats to cripple his power to protect Americans from foreign threats ? including terrorists and pandemics ? is a shocking dereliction of their duty as elected representatives.

"It's worth noting that President Trump's original travel ban was narrowly tailored to address legitimate national security concerns identified by both his administration and those of his predecessor. This never was an issue of religious or racial bias, contrary to arguments from Democrats who insist that it was. Instead, the intent of the temporary pause in admission of citizens from nations deemed to harbor or support international terrorism was to ensure that we have the ability to effectively screen out those who might pose a danger to innocent Americans.

"While President Trump's decision to limit incoming travel from China early on in the outbreak was a step in the right direction, the administration must retain the power and flexibility do more if needed."

Contact: Matthew Tragesser, 202-328-7004 or [email protected]

ABOUT FAIR        

Founded in 1979, FAIR is the country's largest immigration reform group. With over 2 million members and supporters nationwide, FAIR fights for immigration policies that serve national interests, not special interests. FAIR believes that immigration reform must enhance national security, improve the economy, protect jobs, preserve our environment, and establish a rule of law that is recognized and enforced.

SOURCE Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR)