By Louis Chan
AsAmNews National Correspondent
Elected Indian American leaders in Congress are unanimous in their opposition to President Trump’s executive order banning immigration for 90 days from seven mostly Muslim countries.
A news conference was held yesterday, a day before the Republican Hindu Coalition is scheduled to announce its support for the order. All the Indian Americans in Congress are Democrats.
“The actions of the Republican Hindu Coalition today do not reflect the breadth and diversity of the Indian American community, or our diaspora,” said Rep Ami Bera (D-CA). “Prior to 1965, it was very difficult for people of Indian origin to immigrate to the United States, and this order takes us backwards toward that dark time.”
Bera is serving his fourth term in Congress. He was joined at a news conference with members of the AAPI Victory Fund, an Asian American Political Action Committee, and three first year congressional representatives.
“It is unthinkable that this country, which welcomed me when I arrived at 16 years old, would so boldly, defiantly and barbarically turn its back on immigrants and refugees,” said Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA ). “Let us be clear that President Trump came into office by demonizing and ‘otherizing’ immigrants and refugees.”
The Congressional leaders joined others who have questioned the legality of the president’s actions.
“The temporary ban in the executive order is not constitutional,” said Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA). “We cannot allow policies to exist that are not consistent with our founding ideals and values. I swore in on the Constitution, and will always stand up for Constitutional principles.”
“This executive order from President Trump is an assault on our Constitution; it hurts working families; and it only serves to divide Americans, not unify them,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL). “It is no longer time to agonize but to organize. It is time to do everything we can to oppose this executive order.”
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