We, the people!
The power of mass protest, coupled with effective and rapid organization, supported by donations of resources for legal action resulted in an unprecedented victory against Trump’s unconstitutional and unconscionable #MuslimBan.
Outraged and appalled, hurt and violated, citizens took to the streets united in protest of the Executive Order and in solidarity with refugees and our Muslim brothers and sisters. THIS is what democracy looks like. THIS is resistance in action. THIS is the necessary fight.
And tonight, a federal judge granted an emergency stay and halted the implementation of Trump’s Muslim Ban on people arriving in, detained by or in transit to the United States of America.
Thank you, ACLU Nationwide! The stay applies to: individuals with refugee applications approved by US Citizenship and Immigration Services as part of the US Refugee Admissions Program, holders of valid immigrant and non-immigrant visas, and other individuals from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen legally authorized to enter the United States. The judge also affirmed that banning refugees could cause “irreparable” harm.
This is not about black vs brown vs white, Muslims vs Jews vs Christians, immigrants vs people born here in the USA, citizens vs residents vs visitors: this is about common humanity and dignity. Hate has no place here // Let them in // No hate, no fear, immigrants are welcome here // I will stand with the most vulnerable // Muslims are not terrorists // DHS, let’s be clear, refugees are welcome here. // Resist // Unite // This is what democracy looks like // America IS for everyone. The chants and signs carried new weight tonight. Go watch my Instagram story @ErinSchrode to see, hear and feel the unparalleled, infectious energy and sheer magnitude.
I am hugely proud to be here at Chicago O’Hare Airport with fellow human beings of all faiths, nationalities, ethnicities, genders, races, and backgrounds. What began as a few dozen people when I landed has amassed to thousands taking an active stand for love and inclusion, against hatred and division. Similar demonstrations are going strong all across the country, because of the passion and commitment of people who believe in and struggle to make true the words on the Statue of Liberty: “give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free” and defend the tenets of our Constitution, including freedom of religion. We all know what makes America great.
I locked eyes with one man in the crowd, who told me his story. He was born in the Middle East, fled as a refugee, and is now a permanent resident of the United States. "First, it’s the Syrians. Then, it's the women. Then, it’s us. We’re all next.” We are all one.
I am inspired. I am empowered. I am ready to recommit every single day, to show up in truth, to unite in love, to speak out in solidarity, to rise in power. Yes we can.
Comments