A step towards a more xenophobic America?
This is the question that the International Migrants Alliance poses as it criticizes the recent moves of US President Donald Trump to further restrict immigration in the United States through executive orders he has signed in his first week of office.
Trump recently ordered a four-month suspension of its refugee program while limiting entry through more rigorous processes for asylum seekers and refugees coming from seven Muslim-majority countries to “keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America.” Those of Christian religion however, are extended exemption.
Earlier in the week, Trump ordered the immediate construction of the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
According to IMA chairperson Eni Lestari, Trump, through his executive orders and pronouncements, is only fanning the flames of anti-Islamism, racial hate, ostracism, and bigotry that are fast spreading throughout America.
“By alluding to those believing in Islam as possible terrorists, Trump justifies racism and his actions encouraging more racial conflict and divide. He brings the ‘with us or against us’ mantra of the George W. Bush presidency, a presidency known for waging the war of invasion on Iraq,” Lestari stated.
According to Lestari, it is tragic that a country of migrants and refugees, the country where the global compact for migrants and refugees was agreed upon by states, peoples’ organizations and various stakeholders in 2016, will have a president who will champion racism and discrimination instead of solidarity and unity.
IMA expresses urgent concern for the safety and security of the Muslim-Americans as well as other people of color residing in the U.S. “Such statements from the current president could only encourage attacks on Muslim Americans and many others who will fit this racial profile. Not only that, these statements could lead into more oppressive state-instigated actions, which include immigrant arrests, crackdowns and deportation,” Lestari added.
IMA expresses solidarity with its member organizations based in the U.S. as well as many organizations and individuals who joined the Women’s March and expressed opposition to Trump’s anti-migrant statements and policies.
“With his policies and orders, the Trump presidency poses a threat to solidarity, racial understanding and justice that many of us uphold and promote. We will not allow this to happen. IMA will mobilize its member organizations in the U.S. and all over the world in protesting against this most hated policy of a racist and anti-woman president of the U.S.A.” concluded Lestari.
Reference:
Eni Lestari, IMA Chairperson
Zuzana Babicová, 
