WASHINGTON, D.C.— Following today’s announcement by the Trump administration that it will stop issuing certain types of visas to nationals of six mostly African countries, PFAW Executive Vice President for Policy and Program Marge Baker released the following statement:

“This transparently xenophobic, racist crackdown on visas for people from a half-dozen countries proves, sadly, that Donald Trump is once again turning to the racially-charged anti-immigrant animus that motivated his Muslim Ban and that he thinks helped propel him to the White House. We already know how Trump feels about immigration from parts of the world he once disparaged as ‘s—hole countries,’ and with this action today he is doubling down on the existing Muslim Ban and extending the hostility of the original ban to more communities of color. Under Trump, America’s historic role as a nation that welcomed and offered opportunity to people from many nations continues to erode — just one of many ways in which Trump has damaged the United States’ place in the world.”

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a progressive advocacy organization founded to fight right-wing extremism and build a democratic society that implements the ideals of freedom, equality, opportunity and justice for all. We encourage civic participation, defend fundamental rights, and fight to dismantle systemic barriers to equitable opportunity. Learn more: https://www.pfaw.org.