SILVER SPRING, Md – HIAS unequivocally opposes the Trump Administration’s latest expansion of the travel ban based solely on nationality.
The list now includes full or partial restrictions for nationals of 39 countries, more than doubling the number of impacted countries from the original 19.
“These restrictions are unconscionable, and their consequences will be devastating,” said Naomi Steinberg, HIAS Vice President of Policy and Advocacy. “By doubling the list of restricted countries, the Trump Administration is literally doubling down on its targeting of entire communities based on where they come from.”
Banning entire groups of people based solely on their nationalities does nothing to enhance national security. In fact, slamming the door on people from dozens of countries only deepens our global isolation and makes us less safe.
For more than 120 years, HIAS has stood with immigrants and refugees in moments of exclusion and fear. Today’s new ban contains echoes of some of the darkest moments of our history, when discriminatory national bans and quotas shut the door on generations of Jews seeking safety. With resolve and courage, we stood in opposition then and we will do the same now, advocating forcefully for the refugees and immigrants that we serve.
To speak to Steinberg or a member of the HIAS staff, please contact media@hias.org.