Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the first Muslim American elected to Congress, on Saturday blasted President Trump's executive order stopping refugee entry into the U.S., calling the decision "contrary to everything we cherish about America."
"Minnesotans know that our country is at its best when our policies reflect our values of generosity and inclusion. We've opened our doors to immigrants and refugees from around the world, including Somalia and Sudan, and our community is better for it. They're our teachers, our doctors, and our small business owners. They're our friends and neighbors," Ellison said in a statement.
Ellison added that Trump's orders, which will give preference to Christian refugees, is "proof" the Trump administration is trying to divide Americans.
"We can resist this radical agenda. But we have to stand together. As progressives. As immigrants. As neighbors. As Americans," Ellison said.
Trump on Friday signed an executive order that he said would provide a thorough vetting of refugees to ensure that "radical Islamic terrorists" cannot get into the United States.
Trump's order indefinitely blocks refugees from war-torn Syria from entering the U.S. and suspends all refugee admissions for 120 days while the administration determines which countries pose the least risk. It also bars people from certain Muslim-majority nations from entering the U.S.
Admission will resume only after vetting has been deemed "adequate" by the secretary of State, the secretary of Homeland Security and Director of National Intelligence.
