Representative Smith statement on Trump Administration travel ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Representative Rep. Smith (D - Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Trump Administration's newly announced travel ban on 12 countries that goes into effect next Monday.

"The United States must be a place that welcomes and embraces travelers and immigrants from all religions, ethnicities, and nationalities. Unfortunately, the Trump Administration has repeatedly targeted specific nations to reduce travel and migration into the United States, going back to his first days in office when he announced a 'Muslim Ban.'

"I am deeply concerned by the announcement of Trump's Travel Ban 2.0, banning access to the United States from foreign nationals of 12 countries. The Trump Administration's travel ban will not strengthen our national security. Instead, it is likely to divide families and cause arbitrary red tape to people trying to enter the country for lawful reasons.

"I am supportive of legislation that would impose limitations on a President's authority to suspend or restrict foreign nationals from entering the U.S. and prohibits religious discrimination in various immigration-related decisions. We must stand against this divisive, prejudiced travel ban, and I will continue to seek ways to fight back."