President Trump’s controversial executive order bans refugees and citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. “This is not about religion — this is about terror and keeping our country safe,” the president said. Critics argue the ban is not only unconstitutional and anti-Muslim, but that it actually endangers U.S. citizens. Trump supporters insist he is doing what’s necessary to protect the nation from terrorist attacks. Will this ban keep America safe?
PERSPECTIVES
More than 800 diplomats at the State Department signed a dissent cable to Secretary of State Rex Tillerson protesting the ban:
The cable said Mr. Trump’s order will have “little practical effect in improving public safety” because a “vanishingly small number” of immigrants to the U.S. have committed acts of terrorism. “The net result… will not be a drop in terror attacks in the United States,” it said, “rather it will be a drop in international good will toward Americans.” thetylt.com
Trump and his administration argue President Obama also banned Iraqi refugees:
Trump cast the move as in line with the previous administration’s moves to combat terrorism, writing: “My policy is similar to what President (Barack) Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months.” thetylt.com
At the Boston Globe, Jennifer Stern says we already know the travel ban endangers us because terrorist groups everywhere are applauding it:
“On social media sites, jihadis are already celebrating Trump’s executive order as a “blessed ban,” comparable to President Bush’s invasion of Iraq….Why would President Trump play into jihadis’ hands in this way?
Defenders of the ban point out that it is only temporary, and that it’s been put in place while we improve the vetting process for refugees and immigrants. Why not pause the process to make sure it’s as safe as possible?
“Its not a #MuslimBan its a temporary #TravelBan while we fix the vetting process” … @SenSchumer your tears are outrageous ~ @Liz_Wheeler pic.twitter.com/BesI5cOfou
— Brian Fraser (@bfraser747) February 2, 2017
Critics of the ban point out that not one citizen of seven nations included in the ban has ever committed an act of terrorism against the United States. Yet, while the majority of the 9/11 terrorists were Saudi nationals, Saudi Arabia was not included in the ban. Neither was Egypt or Turkey. Why?
The Tylt is focused on debates and conversations around news, current events and pop culture. We provide our community with the opportunity to share their opinions and vote on topics that matter most to them. We actively engage the community and present meaningful data on the debates and conversations as they progress. The Tylt is a place where your opinion counts, literally. The Tylt is an Advance Digital, Inc. property. Join us on Twitter @TheTylt or on Facebook, we’d love to hear what you have to say.
Our editors found this article on this site using Google and regenerated it for our readers.