Peters Statement on Trump Executive Orders Suspending Refugee Program, Effectively Implementing Religious Test

WASHINGTON, DC - U.S. Senator Gary Peters released the following statement condemning President Trump’s executive orders restricting refugee admissions to the United States:

“As a member of the Senate Homeland Security and Armed Services Committees, my top priority is ensuring we’re doing everything we can to keep Americans safe. But I am also proud to represent vibrant Muslim and Arab American communities that are integral to Michigan’s culture and our economy.

“One of America’s founding – and most sacred – principles is the freedom of religion. I am extremely alarmed by President Trump’s executive order that effectively implements a religious test for those seeking to enter the United States. The U.S. should not close its doors to refugees fleeing the brutality of ISIS, who slaughter all those who disagree with their twisted ideology. I believe there are other areas of our immigration system that are more vulnerable to exploitation, and that’s why I voted for legislation to strengthen the Visa Waiver Program. While I support continued strengthening of the refugee screening process, I remain opposed to the suspension of the refugee admissions program.”

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