(Black PR Wire) WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressional Black Caucus Chair Yvette D. Clarke (NY-09) and members of the Congressional Black Caucus issued the following statement:

"President Trump’s proclamation to ban, block, and/or limit the entry of people from 19 countries—many of which are predominantly Black and brown nations—is nothing more than a blatantly cruel and racist attempt to prevent select foreign nationals from accessing opportunities. By falsely labeling these individuals as terrorists and threats to our nation, the administration continues its age-old, hideous practice of perpetuating family fragmentation. 

“This proclamation has nothing to do with national security. Rather, it represents a continuation of the Trump Administration’s long standing pattern of bigoted attacks against Black and brown nations. His aim is to create fear, sow division, and demonize the vulnerable—many of whom are struggling to recover from catastrophic circumstances, seeking life-saving medical attention, or have waited decades to be reunited with family members. Others are fleeing brutal regimes in search of safety and a better life in the United States.

“Due to the urgency of the situation, the Congressional Black Caucus met this week with Haitian Ambassador to the United States, Lionel Delatour, to discuss the travel ban and other critical matters.

“The Congressional Black Caucus remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting our nation’s most vulnerable communities—many of whom have direct ties to the countries targeted by this travel ban. From the very beginning, the foundation of our country has been built and fortified by people who have migrated here from across the globe. America is a true melting pot of humanity, and our diversity permeates every aspect of society. That the Trump Administration continues to take steps to dismantle this notion, rewrite our shared history, and impose cruelty on the American people and those we hold dear is simply unconscionable. It is critical that people of goodwill stand united against this bigoted ban. We cannot stand by and allow President Trump to continue targeting these communities and threatening the very fabric of our nation.

“President Trump’s original travel ban was defeated in the courts, and we will continue fighting to ensure this one meets the same fate. Enough is enough."

###