January 29, 2017

Dear Friend,

President Trump signed an Executive Order on Friday that bans citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries (Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) from entering the United States for a minimum of 90 days. This includes immigrant and non-immigrant visa holders and aliens; in other words all individuals who are citizens of these countries and not U.S. citizens.

Let us be clear: this is the implementation of the President’s campaign promise to ban Muslims from the U.S.

The only countries on the list are those that have majority Muslim populations, and the order includes the suspension and ban not only of immigrants and non-immigrants, but also of refugees, who are the most vulnerable populations in the world. Moreover, the only exception for refugee admission is for individuals of a minority religion fleeing persecution. Even as refugees, Muslims are branded as terror threats. These restrictions combined make it clear that Muslims are the target of this new policy.

The legality and constitutionality of this policy is already being challenged by civil liberties groups, including the ACLU and National Immigration Law Center. We will support these efforts.

MPAC Action Plan:

• Our work in Congress and the federal government is underway. We are working with allies in the Senate and House of Representatives to challenge these EOs. Now is the time for our elected officials to step up -- general statements of support are not enough. We need them to introduce resolutions and legislation challenging the President. This is where the hard work begins and we are ready. In the coming days you'll hear from us on how you can push your representatives to do just that, represent you.
• At the executive level, we are requesting an official civil liberties assessment of the Executive Order and its implementation from the Secretary of Homeland Security.
• We are working with our faith, civic and celebrity allies to to oppose these orders, including actor/activist George Takei who is leading a public awareness campaign to collect signatures opposing the Muslim ban and proposed Muslim registry. Our campaign with George has collected nearly 220,000 signatures.

Takei and MPAC will hold a public event at Los Angeles City Hall to deliver the message #NeverAgain and establish a commitment between Japanese Americans and American Muslims to work together. The internment of Japanese Americans during WWII continues to be a dark stain in our history and Takei is one of many celebrities speaking out against Trump’s unAmerican policies.

And finally, here’s what you can do.

1. Right now, there are multiple protests in major cities and airports around the country. Find a rally nearest you and join the masses in opposing the Muslim ban.

2. Call your Member of Congress. Here is a list of U.S. Senators who have remained silent and those who have publicly opposed the EOs.

a. For those Senators who have remained silent: urge them to speak out against the Executive Order and to push back against this affront to our American values.

b. For those Senators who have opposed Trump’s Executive Order: thank them for supporting civil rights/civil liberties and their commitment to upholding our shared American values.

Stay tuned for more information on our advocacy efforts. Tomorrow, we will send out more information on Members in the House of Representatives.

We are showing President Trump what solidarity looks like in the face of the desecration of our American values. Continue to stay informed, engaged and united -- that’s how we will overcome Trump’s unAmerican policies.

Sincerely,

Salam Al-Marayati

MPAC President