Women’s Refugee Commission Commends the Unity and Support Shown by Americans in the Midst of Executive Order Chaos

Washington, DC–Donald Trump’s Executive Orders late last week blocked refugee admissions from several Muslim countries and suspended the refugee resettlement program from all countries for 120 days, spurring massive protests and hysteria in airports across the nation. This weekend, as a travel ban went into effect, Americans rose up to challenge President Trump’s Executive Orders with cries for justice. The Women’s Refugee Commission stands in solidarity with those affected, and urges the Trump Administration to reverse these policies. 

Michelle Brané, Director of the Migrant Rights and Justice Program at the Women’s Refugee Commission, witnessed the chaos at Dulles Airport in Washington, DC. She responded with the following statement.

“The un-American and discriminatory decisions of Donald Trump and his advisors violate our obligations under international law, endanger women and children, both refugees and legal residents, and are creating chaos across the country and the world.

During my visit to Dulles, I met a woman from Iraq who is a green card holder and was being held, along with her two children, by CBP agents. Her children, one of which is disabled and wheelchair bound, are American citizens. They were held for upwards of 9 hours; targeted, uncertain, and afraid.

This weekend, amidst the mayhem, citizens around the nation stood up for the values of inclusivity and freedom that America represents. As Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Agents barred large swaths of men, women and children from traveling and kept them away from their families, the outpouring of support from Americans created an atmosphere of community and support that was inspiring. These actions must continue as we work on behalf of those being unlawfully ostracized by President Trump’s orders.”

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For more information contact: Michelle Brane, michelleb@wrcommission.orgtessa@newpartners.com