U.S. President Donald Trump‘s second term has been marked by a severe crackdown on immigration and asylum seekers. Over a month into his term, mass raids have led to tens of thousands of deportations, and many more have been blocked from seeking asylum.
In response to these actions, communities across the U.S. have rallied to protect vulnerable groups. A key piece of legislation, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, was introduced to Congress on February 6 by Representative Judy Chu and Senator Chris Coons. This bill aims to limit presidential power to impose blanket bans on refugees, asylum seekers, or individuals based on their faith or nationality.
The need for this legislation is urgent, as there are concerns that Trump may revive the infamous Muslim and African bans from his first term. In 2017, Trump issued an executive order that led to the detention of thousands of travelers from predominantly Muslim countries. The ban was later expanded to include several African nations, resulting in over 40,000 visa denials and a significant drop in Muslim refugee admissions.
The impacts of these bans still linger, with families separated and people denied critical medical care. Maral Tabrizi, for example, was unable to have her parents by her side during pregnancy due to the ban, leading to postpartum depression and other hardships.
The NO BAN Act seeks to prevent such injustices by requiring travel restrictions to be based on credible facts and compelling government interests. It also mandates congressional notification before any such restrictions are imposed. Advocates argue that without this legislation, presidents could continue to abuse their power by imposing arbitrary or discriminatory travel bans.
As humanitarian crises escalate globally, the passage of the NO BAN Act is seen as crucial for upholding U.S. values of religious freedom and refuge. The bill represents a broader movement against discrimination and hate, aiming to ensure that U.S. immigration policies are fair and just.