Joint Statement from Tri-Caucus Chairs on President Trump’s Proposed Travel Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Chairs of the Congressional Tri-Caucus—Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Grace Meng (NY-06), Congressional Hispanic Caucus (CHC) Chair Rep. Adriano Espaillat (NY-13), and Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) Chair Rep. Yvette Clarke (NY-09)—released the following joint statement in response to reports of a blanket travel ban proposed by President Trump:

“We are deeply concerned that the Trump administration is considering travel bans for as many as 43 nations. A blanket travel ban will tear families apart, weaken the economy, and undermine America’s leadership on the global stage.

“This is not mere speculation. President Trump enacted a similar policy during his first administration and the consequences were clear. Thousands of Americans and U.S. residents were separated from their loved ones abroad. Students were forced to postpone their education. People were kept from life-saving medical treatment. Businesses faced supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.

“While safeguarding our nation is essential, restricting travel solely based on nationality is neither a reliable measure of threat nor an effective way to make Americans safer. A blanket travel ban will result in the opposite of its intended effect — fostering resentment, harming diplomatic relations, and undermining alliances that are vital to our national security.

“The United States has welcomed those seeking safety and opportunity since its founding. President Trump’s proposed travel ban is un-American and an affront to our nation’s values. We cannot allow fear and prejudice to guide immigration policy and risk irreparable harm to our country’s standing in the world.”