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RELEASE: Rep. Ilhan Omar Statement on Third Muslim Ban

Tuesday, September 26, 2017

SAINT PAUL, MINN – On Sunday night, the White House issued a proclamation indefinitely banning almost all travel to the United States from seven countries, including most of the predominantly Muslim nations covered by his initial attempts (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen).

Minnesota State Representative Ilhan Omar (DFL-Minneapolis), the first Somali-American to be elected to a state legislature in the United States, released the following statement:

"Unlike the actions taken in the first 90 days of this administration, there is now no room for doubt that the President is deliberately trying to implement xenophobic and racist policies at great cost to American families. When this administration should be lifting up Muslim immigrant families seeking to build their own American dream here in this country, instead they shut the door on the future of thousands of men, women and children – even in countries that are actively seeking to comply with the technical demands of the order.

This measure also jeopardizes the future of many Americans by throwing the status of their visas into question. These people are our neighbors and friends who are working hard to provide for the care and safety of themselves and their families. To say I am disappointed and outraged would not speak adequately to the continued attacks and marginalization of immigrants by this administration. I remain strong in my belief that the President needs to get out and visit immigrant communities to understand that we are what actually makes America great.”

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