Skip to main content

Schakowsky Statement on Repeal of Muslim Travel Ban

January 23, 2021

EVANSTON – Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, a Senior Chief Deputy Whip and Chair of the Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee, issued the following statement regarding the repeal of former President Trump's Muslim Travel Ban:

"This is a week of celebration, renewed hope and joy. During his very first day in office, we saw President Biden rescind the incredibly cruel and destructive Muslim ban that for so many years devastated our families and communities. I am incredibly grateful to our Muslim community here in Chicago for their tireless work and advocacy. I remember dashing out to O'Hare when Trump issued the order and joining many of you to speak out against it. Soon after, more than a thousand community members, lawyers, and activists filled Terminal Five at O'Hare to stand up against the hateful ban. We shouted ‘No papers! No fear! Refugees are welcome here!' and ‘No wall, no registry, no white supremacy!'

"Our success this week – ushering in the diverse Biden-Harris Administration that recognizes and appreciates that the United States is a nation of immigrants – is a direct result of your hard work and resistance. And while we can breathe easier knowing that the ban has been rescinded, the work must continue. We must ensure that every family is reunited, and that no President has the authority to implement such a ban again, which is included in President Biden's proposed immigration bill. I will continue working in Congress and fighting alongside you to ensure that we never go back! And please, if you or anyone in your family needs help, know that you can reach out to my office any time and we will do everything in our power to get you the assistance you need."

###