ADC Denounces Trump’s Executive Order on Travel Restrictions

Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | January 21, 2025 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) vehemently opposes the recent Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump, titled “Protecting the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.” This order establishes the foundation for yet another unjust policy aimed at individuals from primarily Muslim and Arab nations—essentially repeating the infamous 2017 Muslim Ban. The administration now possesses greater authority to apply ideological exclusion to refuse visa applications and deport individuals who are already lawfully present in the United States.

Utilizing the same legal powers as President Trump’s 2017 Muslim Ban Executive Orders, this latest directive requires the Secretary of State, the Attorney General, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence to deliver a report within 60 days pinpointing countries whose vetting and screening methods are considered overly inadequate. That judgment could result in either partial or complete restrictions on accepting nationals from these enumerated countries, as permitted by section 212(f) of the INA (8 U.S.C. 1182(f)).

The new directive surpasses its 2017 predecessor by incorporating wording that permits ideological exclusion, enabling the government to refuse visas or entry based on perceived political views, religious convictions, or cultural identities:

“Section 1. Policy and Purpose.

 (a) The policy of the United States is to safeguard its citizens from non-citizens who aim to perpetrate terrorist acts, jeopardize our national security, promote hateful ideologies, or otherwise exploit immigration laws for nefarious ends.  

 (b) … The United States must ensure that admitted non-citizens and those already present in the country do not harbor antagonistic sentiments towards its citizens, culture, government, institutions, or foundational ideals, and do not advocate, assist, or support identified foreign terrorists and other threats to our national security.”

Furthermore, the order empowers the Department of Homeland Security to expel individuals from these specified countries who are already lawfully present in the United States, again employing ideology as a rationale for removal. Such actions mirror some of the most disturbing pages in our nation’s past, when the government prohibited and scrutinized individuals solely based on their beliefs or affiliations rather than any legitimate security threat.

ADC urges the Trump Administration to cease stigmatizing and targeting whole communities, which only fosters division. America’s commitment to freedom of speech and expression—a principle President Trump has consistently emphasized—now contradicts his new Executive Order. These actions, akin to the “Non-Profit Killer” and IHRA proposals affecting our federal and state legislatures, gradually undermine our First Amendment rights from various fronts, eroding the foundations of our democracy. We understand that previous iterations of the Muslim Ban failed to identify real threats while imposing inhumane repercussions on families seeking safety, reunion, or opportunities.

We must not permit governments to continue to diminish our First Amendment rights or to resurrect the fear and suspicion that marked the post-9/11 landscape. Opposing these regressive actions is our collective duty. If we allow this erosion of rights for one community, we jeopardize the freedoms of all.

The ADC remains steadfast in its dedication to defending the civil and human rights of Arab Americans and everyone who encounters discrimination. Our efforts rely on your support—especially now, as we strive to strengthen the ADC Legal Department in response to this new Executive Order and expected future measures. Please contemplate donating today to aid in fortifying ADC’s legal initiatives.