Press Releases

Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) today voted in favor of the NO BAN Act, important legislation that would prevent any future president from implementing a xenophobic immigration ban such as former President Trump’s Muslim Ban. The bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives 218 to 208.

“The Muslim Ban only served to stoke xenophobia and senselessly cut thousands of Americans off from their loved ones abroad. Former President Trump’s egregious, bigoted executive action was rightfully rescinded by President Biden on his first day in office,” said Pingree, an original cosponsor of the NO BAN Act. “However, we need protections to make sure no future president acts in such a discriminatory and overreaching way again. In passing the NO BAN Act, the House is reaffirming Congress’ role in the system of checks and balances. This bill promotes a return to more compassionate immigration policy that welcomes immigrants and refugees.”

The NO BAN Act stops executive overreach by preventing the president from abusing his authority to restrict the entry of non-citizens into the United States under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The bill requires any suspension or restriction of noncitizens to be specific, tailored, have a timeline, and include waivers. It also expands the Immigration and Nationality Act’s nondiscrimination provisions to prohibit discrimination based on religion. Over 400 immigrants’ rights organizations, faith-based organizations, and civil rights organizations support the NO BAN Act.

Pingree voted to pass a previous iteration of the NO BAN Act during the 116^th Congress on July 22, 2020.

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