SAINT PAUL, MINN – Today, the White House issued an Executive Order Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States, a second attempt to ban Muslim refugees from six nations (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen).
Minnesota State Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-Minneapolis) released the following statement:
"I continue to be distressed and saddened by the xenophobic and racist policies that this White House Administration continues to attempt to enact. As a Somali American, the only such person elected to state government in the Nation, I would ask that the White House think more critically about how they might actually reduce incidents of terrorism here and around the world.
Castigating, blaming, and broadly discriminating against refugees who are undoubtedly chosen because of their Muslim religious background does nothing to make this country safer. It is my fear, and it has been shown in recent reporting, that a Muslim ban like the one the White House has actively sought, will not only deepen the racial and religious divides felt by New Americans in this country who are victims of racially motivated violent crime by white nationalists, but the executive order also helps recruiting efforts for criminal terrorist organizations abroad.
Refugees are an integral part of the story of America, and we make this country stronger. We are doctors, teachers, poets, business owners, and factory workers. Despite the cold here in Minnesota, we experienced the warmth of welcoming neighbors. We raise children here and future leaders. I continue to extend an invitation to the new administration and any other doubters who need to visit our vibrant communities to see for themselves that we are Americans at their finest. Minnesota is a welcoming place. And refugees are welcomed here too."
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