The recent ban on immigrants from seven countries – Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya and Yemen – that has been imposed by Donald Trump is definitely shocking. From a country under Obama that was more open to international policy to a country under Trump that is putting America first, the change in immigration law will make a significant impact on the United States' foreign relations for years to come. Whether I agree or disagree with Trump's stance on immigration from Muslim-majority nations, I am deeply bothered by the fact that "the Republican committee chairman and party leadership were not informed," according to Politico. In order for our nation to have an effective democratic leadership (take the true meaning of the word democratic as an open and collaborative process,) Republicans and Democrats alike need to work together on policy that has such a dramatic effect on not only our country, but our world.
It is troubling that The White House was also forced to issue a statement a few days after Trump signed the executive order that "exempt[ed] green card holders from the travel ban," for it creates a feeling of uneasiness and impermanency for future American policy that will be implemented by the Trump administration. If such a severe ban is put in place, The White House and Trump's team of advisers cannot rush to overturn the law formed under Obama. Each step must be taken carefully so that the United States is decisive and firm about each change in policy.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the executive order itself, I am deeply troubled by the fact that "priority of admission will be given to Christians." To favor one religion over another is completely and utterly against the core values of the United States of America, and suggests an undertone of religious dominance. In order to progress as a country, it is imperative that our differences and diversity are highlighted and honored, rather than neglected. Whether a U.S. citizen is Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or Mormon or a part of any other religion, no one should feel excluded from the conversation. The same goes for refugees, for the assumption is being made that Muslims are all terrorists with the policy on the prioritization of Christians.
Trump's executive order could make U.S. relations with other countries worse, as he has taken on an approach that seems to infer that America is dominant and superior to other nations. I do not condone the idea of open borders, but immigrants have been an integral part of American history since the 1600s. Donald Trump needs to adopt the mindset that America is a large part in the communication that occurs between various nations around the globe, and that the U.S. cannot afford to live inside its own bubble. I applaud him for being bold and for following through on his promises, but he needs to ensure that what is being done is not happening behind closed doors.
Citations
Bade, Rachael, Jake Sherman, and Josh Dawsey. "Hill staffers secretly worked on Trump's immigration order." POLITICO. N.p., 30 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Naylor, Brian. "Trump's Executive Order On Immigration, Annotated." NPR. NPR, 31 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Morello, Carol. "Trump Signs Order Temporarily Halting Admission of Refugees, Promises Priority for Christians." The Washington Post. WP Company, 27 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Flores, Reena. "White House says new guidance exempts green card holders from travel ban." CBS News. CBS Interactive, 02 Feb. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
It is troubling that The White House was also forced to issue a statement a few days after Trump signed the executive order that "exempt[ed] green card holders from the travel ban," for it creates a feeling of uneasiness and impermanency for future American policy that will be implemented by the Trump administration. If such a severe ban is put in place, The White House and Trump's team of advisers cannot rush to overturn the law formed under Obama. Each step must be taken carefully so that the United States is decisive and firm about each change in policy.
In addition to the controversy surrounding the executive order itself, I am deeply troubled by the fact that "priority of admission will be given to Christians." To favor one religion over another is completely and utterly against the core values of the United States of America, and suggests an undertone of religious dominance. In order to progress as a country, it is imperative that our differences and diversity are highlighted and honored, rather than neglected. Whether a U.S. citizen is Christian, or Jewish, or Muslim, or Mormon or a part of any other religion, no one should feel excluded from the conversation. The same goes for refugees, for the assumption is being made that Muslims are all terrorists with the policy on the prioritization of Christians.
Trump's executive order could make U.S. relations with other countries worse, as he has taken on an approach that seems to infer that America is dominant and superior to other nations. I do not condone the idea of open borders, but immigrants have been an integral part of American history since the 1600s. Donald Trump needs to adopt the mindset that America is a large part in the communication that occurs between various nations around the globe, and that the U.S. cannot afford to live inside its own bubble. I applaud him for being bold and for following through on his promises, but he needs to ensure that what is being done is not happening behind closed doors.
Citations
Bade, Rachael, Jake Sherman, and Josh Dawsey. "Hill staffers secretly worked on Trump's immigration order." POLITICO. N.p., 30 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Naylor, Brian. "Trump's Executive Order On Immigration, Annotated." NPR. NPR, 31 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Morello, Carol. "Trump Signs Order Temporarily Halting Admission of Refugees, Promises Priority for Christians." The Washington Post. WP Company, 27 Jan. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Flores, Reena. "White House says new guidance exempts green card holders from travel ban." CBS News. CBS Interactive, 02 Feb. 2017. Web. 02 Feb. 2017.
Written by: Robby Ackles