ACLU Statement on Delayed NO BAN Act Floor Vote

March 12, 2020 10:00 am

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WASHINGTON — The U.S. House of Representatives removed from today’s calendar the floor vote on the NO BAN Act, delaying the passage of this bill. The NO BAN Act would repeal President Trump’s Muslim ban, including the most recent ban targeting Africans; the refugee ban; and the asylum ban. It would also make necessary reforms to immigration law to prevent future discriminatory bans.

The American Civil Liberties Union endorsed this legislation and organized a coalition letter in support — alongside approximately 200 civil rights and liberties, immigration, human rights, and community-based organizations — urging Congress to pass the NO BAN Act without any changes.

The following is a statement from Manar Waheed, senior legislative and advocacy counsel for the ACLU:

“We are profoundly disappointed with Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer’s decision to delay the vote, and we ask that leadership reschedule the vote immediately. This bill could have been passed today in addition to the other important bills. It is a simple measure to undo the damage done by this president with his bans on Muslims, Africans, and immigrants. Hundreds of thousands of families and loved ones are indefinitely separated by these discriminatory bans, and every day that passes, more are impacted. ​We urge Speaker Pelosi and Leader Hoyer to reschedule the vote immediately, pass this legislation, and send the message that immigrants are welcome here.”

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