SPLC Action Fund Urges Congress to Pass NO BAN Act

WASHINGTON — Today, in a letter to all Members of Congress, SPLC Action Fund President and Chief Executive Officer Margaret Huang urged representatives to support the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (the “NO BAN Act”), which is scheduled for a vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday.

“The unnecessary, cruel entry bans have dramatically affected millions of Americans, restricting their rights to travel, denying access for those who need lifesaving medical treatment, and unfairly separating them from their families,” states Huang in the letter. “Spouses, infants, children and elderly parents have all been separated and trapped overseas. The NO BAN Act will help reunite these families. Further, the Muslim Ban has significantly fueled anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant sentiments and hate violence in the United States. The Muslim and African Bans are bans on people of color and certainly have had the effect of increasing racial and religious bigotry and hate.”

The No BAN Act is designed to end the discriminatory and racist entry bans on Muslims and Africans imposed by President Trump’s Administration. It prohibits future presidents from discriminating based on religion in suspending or restricting entry into the United States, with exceptions to ensure protection of national security and public safety.

“Throughout American history, prejudice and fear have led to unjust and discriminatory immigration, asylum and refugee restrictions – often with disastrous consequences for whom entry was barred,” Huang added in the letter. “Enactment of the NO BAN Act will ensure that no president will be able to ban people for discriminatory purposes without accountability.”

In addition to repealing the Muslim Ban, the bill ends President Trump’s first asylum ban, which categorically forecloses asylum for all individuals who enter the United States between ports of entry.

###