Washington, D.C. | www.adc.org | June 26, 2018 – The American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC) is deeply troubled and disappointed by the decision of the United States Supreme Court (SCOTUS) today to uphold President Donald Trump’s Arab and Muslim Ban. ADC will continue to fight against the implications of this decision and to work to uphold the civil and human rights of all persons regardless of race, religion, or ethnicity.
ADC President Samer Khalaf states, “This decision is a repugnant affirmation that religion or national origin can be used to determine ones access to basic freedoms. Regardless of today’s decision the implementation of the Ban has shown that it is xenophobic, bigoted, anti-Arab and Islamophobic.”
“We are saddened and troubled by today’s decision upholding the Arab and Muslim Ban,” said Abed Ayoub, ADC Legal Director. “Today’s decision will have a disastrous impact on this country as it illustrates that xenophobia, islamophobia, and bigotry are acceptable governing policies for the United States. This is a dark hour for the country, and the Supreme Court.”
The Arab and Muslim Ban has had a devastating impact on the U.S.’s Arab and Muslim populations. The Ban impacts over 150 million individuals from majority Muslim countries across the Middle East and North Africa. The Ban has blocked families from reuniting, stopped people from receiving much needed medical treatment, and destroyed foreigners’ chances at life changing opportunities in education and employment. As long as the Ban, which is indefinite, remains in place, Arabs and Muslims in the U.S. and across the world will continue to be marginalized, harmed and discriminated against.
The Court’s opinion can be read here.
ADC will fight the Arab and Muslim Ban every way possible. ADC will continue to provide legal assistance to all those affected who seek relief from its draconian provisions. ADC will stand up for the community and against the anti-Arab, anti-Muslim policies propagated by the Trump Administration. Today marks another great loss for this country’s already problematic civil rights record.