In case y'all needed a reminder.
~~~~~~
MSA West shared a summary of the newest version of the Trump administration’s Muslim ban, and some resources. Please read it for your own information and share with those who may need it.
“After Trump’s first amateurish and politically disastrous attempt at legalizing what was effectively a Muslim ban, his administration has passed a revised version today. Cleverly disguised as more “politically correct” and “watered-down”, this recent piece of legislation is still unspeakably outrageous, and is clearly an attempt at trying to normalize anti-Muslim sentiment at the highest governmental level.
With that being said, it is critical for us and our community to understand what has and what has not changed. Here is a short summary of this revamped Muslim ban:
- There are now 6 countries affected by the Muslim ban, rather than 7. These six countries face the same limitation that served as the meat of the original Muslim ban: a 90-day suspension of new visa processing, effectively “banning” them from coming or revisiting the country. These 6 countries are:
1) Iran
2) Libya
3) Somalia
4) Sudan
5) Syria
6) Yemen
The only country that has been removed from the list (mostly due to political strategic reasons) is Iraq. All other of the six countries effectively face the same limitations as the original ban.
- All refugee programs in general are suspended for 120 days, just like the old ban. The old ban also put an indefinite ban specifically on Syrian refugee program; this version lifts that specific provision, so Syrian refugees are ‘simply’ also suspended for 120 days, like other refugees, rather than being singled out for indefinite ban.
- The previous order had language that carved out exceptions for religious minorities in those affected Muslim-majority countries (effectively favoring anyone who was not Muslim). That language has been removed; there is no mention of giving preference to religious minorities.
- Specific exemptions to the legislation have now been made clear. The list of those who will not be affected include:
1. Green Card Holders or Citizens (lawful permanent US residents will not be affected
2. People inside the United States will not be affected (until or unless they travel abroad)
3. Those who currently have a valid visa for travel to the United States (if the visa was valid or issued before January 27, 2017)
4. Certain non-US citizens who have dual national citizenship (if you have two nationalities — one from the 6 and one from another non-designated country, you might not be affected if you travel on the second passport. This issue of exactly which countries qualify is still up in the air, so please talk to a lawyer)
5. Asylum-holders, previously admitted refugees, hardship cases, or other very specific situations (again, it’s vital to talk to a lawyer if this is your case).
- The order is not being implemented immediately; there is now a 10 day delay. This means the order will take affected March 16th, if the courts do not intervene to delay or stop it. This is meant to give airports and other agencies time to prepare (to prevent the political chaos of the first ban).
Please note that this is simply a quick rundown of the ban. As the days progress, we may learn more information or other attempts may be put forth into motion. If you or someone you know might be affected, or is not sure if they fall into the above groups, please consult legal help immediately. This is meant to give student leaders an emergency short run down of the legislation (and potential issues to look at and areas to focus on), rather than being an in-depth analysis.
Below, we are attaching additional resources that we encourage you to look at.
We make duaa that Allah grants you and your community strength in these difficult times. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need any help or advice — we will try to answer or redirect you as best as we possibly can.
Potential Talking Points by Rethink Meida: https://rethinkmedia.org/resource/president-trump-refugeeimmigration-ban-20-talking-points-top-tips-and-resources?authkey=dd98fe3dd7198ea6fdb36289315c65c0a4e6d550d489e3f2252fed38b086f98b
ACLU Notation on the New Changes: http://aclum.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/2017_1_27-Muslim-Ban-EO-Word-VS.-2017_3_06-Muslim-Ban-EO.pdf
Taking Concrete action: UnitedAgainstMuslimBan.com”
blakekathryn
germansingergirl
origamiaround
titsay
prguitarman
janainaart
vaporwave
