USA: Trump’s policy decisions blocking refugees puts hateful rhetoric into action

In reaction to President Trump’s Executive Order to effectively prevent refugees from seeking resettlement in the USA, Salil Shetty, Secretary General at Amnesty International said: “President Trump’s Executive Order effectively blocking those fleeing war and persecution from war-torn countries such as Syria, from seeking safe haven in the USA are an appalling move with potentially catastrophic consequences.

“Some of our worst fears about the Trump administration have already been realised. With the stroke of a pen, President Trump has put his hateful xenophobic pre-election rhetoric into action by singling out people only of the basis of their religion.

“These men, women and children are the victims of the same terror President Trump claims he wants to fight against. The irony beggars belief. It is particularly ironic that the USA has directly contributed to the instability in many places which is forcing people to flee.

“Denying protection to people in need is not the answer to the worst refugee crisis since World War II. Instead of slamming the door in the face of those who have no choice but to flee their homes, the Trump administration should remember that the USA is a country also built largely by migrants and refugees.

“This callous and deeply misguided decision could also set an appalling precedent at a time when countries are looking for ways to close off refugee flows.”