Menendez on Supreme Court Ruling on the Muslim Ban

Today’s decision goes against fundamental American values, and by further damaging our reputation overseas, hurts the national security of the United States.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) released the following statement in reaction to the Supreme Court of the United States’ upholding President Trump’s Muslim Travel Ban:

“Today is a sad day for American institutions, and for all religious minorities who have ever sought refuge in a land promising freedom,” said Sen. Menendez. “Let’s be clear: the Supreme Court of the United States today upheld a discriminatory policy that does not comport with our American values. Religious discrimination is not a national security strategy. Today’s decision goes against fundamental American values, and by further damaging our reputation overseas, hurts the national security of the United States. Despite today’s ruling, turning away those fleeing horrific violence and persecution or to discriminate against people based on nationality and religion continues to be as un-American as ever. As we saw soon after the President implemented his travel ban, the American people will continue to stand against bigotry, xenophobia, and fear-mongering, and I will stand right alongside them.”

Last year, Senator Menendez joined other Democrats in introducing legislation to reverse Trump’s executive order and block its implementation. The bill declared the executive order illegal based on the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which banned discrimination against immigrants on the basis of national origin. Trump’s executive order was halted by judges in Hawaii and Maryland who successfully stopped the ban from being enforced.