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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Congress Should Protect Muslims and Others, Support Anti-Ban Legislation

April, 10, 2019, Washington, DC – The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) calls on Congress to enact the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN Act )that would reverse the discriminatory policies of the Trump Administration toward immigrants and visitors to the United States. NCJW CEO Nancy K. Kaufman released the following statement:

“One of President Trump’s first acts when he became president was to fulfill a discriminatory campaign pledge and ban entry into the US by foreign nationals from several Muslim majority countries. After Trump’s ban was rewritten twice, the US Supreme Court upheld the final language as within the prerogative of the president to set policy regarding entry into the US. This egregious decision can be reversed by Congress. The National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN Act) introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-DE) and Representative Judy Chu (D-CA) would end the harmful Muslim Ban and put in place vital protections against future discrimination.

“Two years since the first Muslim Ban was issued, countless families remain separated with heartbreaking consequences. People have been denied access to lifesaving medical treatments; parents have been unable to care for their children; and spouses have been forced to live apart as they await decisions on their waiver applications. Some have been denied the opportunity to attend funerals or visit dying family members, and accomplished professionals and students have been denied access to career and educational opportunities offered by educational and medical institutions, tech companies, and others who want them to come.  According to the State Department, 37,000 visas were denied in 2018 because of the ban, up from 1,000 the previous year.

“As Jews, the members of the National Council of Jewish Women oppose policies based on criteria such as race, religion, national origin, color, or gender identity as contrary to our Jewish values and the US Constitution.  We call on members of Congress to embrace this bedrock principle and enact the NO BAN Act.”

The National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW) is a grassroots organization of volunteers and advocates who turn progressive ideals into action. Inspired by Jewish values, NCJW strives for social justice by improving the quality of life for women, children, and families and by safeguarding individual rights and freedoms. More information on Facebook and on Twitter at @NCJW.