Congressman Carson Statement on Passage of the NO BAN Act

Statement

Congressman André Carson (D-IN), the most senior Muslim Member of Congress, and one of three serving in the 116th Congress, released the following statement on the House passage of the NO BAN Act, a bill he proudly co-authored. This legislation would overturn President Trump's executive order banning otherwise eligible individuals from entering the U.S. from several Muslim-majority nations, including African nations with sizable Muslim populations. The legislation also prevents any future President from instituting similar bans.

"Today is historic. This is the first time in our nation's history that Congress has passed a civil rights bill focused on the rights of Muslims. This effort is long overdue. President Trump's Muslim Ban is the culmination of decades of islamophobia and xenophobia that have harmed countless Muslim Americans and Muslims around the world. Through this vote, the House not only condemns the heinous Muslim Ban and its harm to millions of people, but also the culture of hatred and fear that led to its implementation.

"I want to thank the bill's House and Senate leads, Rep. Judy Chu and Senator Chris Coons, respectively, for their tireless work to move this key legislation forward. In addition, I am incredibly grateful to all the supporters who helped spread the word about the NO BAN Act and why its passage is so important, not just for Muslims, but for anyone who values civil and human rights.

"Today's long-awaited vote is great step forward, but we still have a long way to go to make this bill law. Now, we must put pressure on the Senate to pass this legislation. Families remain separated. People are still hurting. We can't rest until we enact this bill and erase this painful chapter in American history. The Muslim ban is not the first time our nation has closed its doors to people in need, but by enacting the NO BAN Act, we can make sure it will be the last."

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