Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision to allow the Trump administration to enforce some parts of the illegal Muslim ban, pending review by the court in its upcoming term. The decision allows the government to continue enforcement of the ban against anyone without a recognized relationship with another person or an institution in the United States.

“Donald Trump introduced the Muslim ban to discriminate based on the religion of people entering the United States, as he has admitted on many occasions. That fact, by itself, should render the Muslim ban unconstitutional. Though the Supreme Court recognized the constitutional interests of people with connections to the United States, I am deeply concerned about the families who are still excluded under the Supreme Court’s decision, such as refugees fleeing violence who want only to live safely in peace. Our Constitution prohibits religious discrimination in all its forms, regardless of the excuses offered by Donald Trump and his lawyers. Donald Trump claimed that the Department of Homeland Security needed ninety days to evaluate the supposed “threat” of Muslims entering the United States. Ninety days have come and gone, without any evidence that the Muslim families trying to come here are a threat to anyone. I am hopeful that the Supreme Court will focus on the truth of the matter and forcefully reject this attempt to divide communities of faith.”

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