This morning marked an historic day with the formal introduction of the National Origin-Based Anti-discrimination for Nonimmigrants Act (NO BAN ACT) in Congress. The proposed legislation is a culmination of years long effort pushed forward and supported by nearly 400 diverse, civil rights groups and faith-based organizations. The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is proud to stand with our partners and looks forward to making this proposed legislation become law. This Act would directly challenge the Arab and Muslim Ban and protect vulnerable communities.
Introduced by Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) and Representative Judy Chu (D-Calif.), and supported by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-MN.) as well as by Representative Rashida Tlaib (D-MI.), the NO BAN ACT, would immediately rescind Trump’s Arab and Muslim Ban, while also curbing discrimination against Arabs and impacted groups. By inserting accountability mechanisms and tighter legal standards, the rights of Arabs, Muslims, refugees and asylees, will be better protected by statute. One example of key language which ADC advocated for requires a showing of “credible facts” and “specific acts” before the government can flag suspicious activity. Additionally, the Trump administration will have to routinely report to Congress, placing a check on the current Administration’s unfettered executive powers.
It is the courage of tens of thousands of innocent banned Yemenis, Syrians, Libyans, Somalis, and others, especially, refugees that drives ADC as we push onward in dismantling what history will harshly judge as one of the most egregious, miscarriages of justice in American history.
The unjust Ban continues to target and harm the daily lives of Arab, Muslim, Southeast Asian, and Refugee communities. ADC with our partners are committed to repealing the Ban and will continue to support the members of Congress who are taking the principled steps towards justice and civil rights.