Donald Trump is barring refugees from entering the United States—here’s how we’re fighting this injustice together

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Activists protesting the executive order barring refugees from the US on Sunday, January 29 in Boston's Copley Square. Photo: Lauren Levine / Oxfam

Since President Trump signed an executive order denying entry into the United States for thousands of people, activists are joining together to fight for immigrants and refugees.

Late on Friday, President Trump signed the executive order that suspends the refugee admissions program for 120 days, ends admission of Syrian refugees indefinitely, and bars entry for 90 days from seven predominantly Muslim countries: Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen.

While some call this “extreme vetting,” we call it what it really is—extreme injustice. Over the weekend, millions stood up to reject this injustice, and we do not plan to let up the fight any time soon. Here’s how activists and allies have already rallied against this unjust order:

Protests from coast to coast

Impromptu demonstrations in several airports on Saturday quickly sparked a nationwide movement, prompting formal protests on Sunday in cities across the country.  From the White House, to Boston, New York City, Los Angeles, Houston, and beyond, millions of Americans made their voices clear: refugees are welcome here.

Legal action swiftly taken—and won

The American Civil Liberties Union, along with other activist groups, quickly filed a lawsuit challenging the executive order. They represented two Iraqis who were being detained at the John F. Kennedy International Airport, even though both had visas to enter the United States. In an energizing win, the federal judge sided with the plaintiffs and blocked the deportation of those who were in transit when the order was signed.

While we are encouraged by this show of activism and legal action, we continue to be outraged by the harmful and discriminatory executive order that is already having an immediate negative impact on the lives of people here in the US and around the world. Today, Oxfam joins the ACLU lawsuit in opposition to President Trump’s discriminatory and illegal executive order.


Tell President Trump: we cannot slam the door on vulnerable refugees in their hour of need. Send a letter > 

Support refugees seeking safety and families struggling to overcome poverty.  Donate now >

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