Amnesty International USA: Muslim Ban Guidance is Heartless

Following reports of guidance issued by the Trump administration interpreting this week’s Supreme Court decision to partially lift a stay on the president’s Muslim ban, Naureen Shah, Amnesty International USA’s senior director of campaigns, issued the following statement: “This guidance shows a cruel indifference to families, some already torn apart by war and horrifying levels of violence. It also defines close family relationships in a way that ignores the reality in many cultures, where grandparents, cousins, and in-laws are often extremely close. Separating families based on these definitions is simply heartless. It further proves the callous and discriminatory nature of Trump’s Muslim ban.

“The president wanted a complete and total shutdown of Muslims entering this country and, unfortunately, today he is able to take one step in that direction. It’s time for Congress to step in and end the effects of this bigoted ban once and for all.”

Amnesty International will have researchers present at airports in New York City, Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles to monitor how the ban is being implemented and to help people know and protect their rights by connecting them with resources to help them through the process. Our observers will be documenting the impact of the order on travelers arriving to the United States as well as those waiting for their loved ones to arrive from affected countries.