March 16, 2017

Dear Congressman King:

We, the undersigned Long Island community, labor, and faith organizations, are writing to denounce the
Trump administrations Muslim and refugee banin its original and new versionand to demand that you
reverse your position on it. The unethical and discriminatory treatment of Muslim immigrants and those seeking
refuge from violence and oppression is cruel and inhumane.
A ban that seeks to exclude human beings based on nothing but their religion or country of origin runs
counter to the very fabric of our nation. Federal judges enjoined the first order twice, illustrating just how weak
its legal grounding was. The Trump administration then continued on a reckless path of political posturing that
involved mocking the first federal judge that ruled against him, before issuing a slightly-revised Executive Order
that seeks to achieve the same objectives: banning Muslim immigrants and refugees. The slightly revised policy
remains a dangerous affront to our nations values, and has been blocked once again by two federal judges
recognizing concerns over its constitutionality.
These Executive Orders have done, and will do, nothing but inflict suffering on families seeking a better
life in this country of immigrants and those fleeing for their lives. The bans will also separate families with
members already in the United Statescausing untold suffering and trauma. The first Order has caused injury
that is immeasurable to the careers and lives of those living here that are Trumps targets of this ban and who
already have gone through rigorous screenings to get visas or refugee status.
We stand with refugees as we stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters. We will not let allow Trump to
turn us into a country that turns its back on refugees and discriminates against people based on their religions.
President Trump is trying to turn us against some of the worlds most vulnerable refugees. We have systems in
place to screen them. We have the room in our country and our hearts to help them. We must continue to open
our arms and offer them a permanent home in America.
Diversity and tolerance are two of our communities strengths. We expect our representatives to stand
up for all of their constituents and speak out against xenophobia and bigotry in all forms. Your support for this
ban under the pretext of national security is concerning, and your silence on the Trump administrations
scapegoating and continued dishonest, dangerous rhetoric about Muslims, refugees and immigrants is
unacceptable.
We demand that you denounce the Muslim Ban and the Trump administrations attempt to legitimize
bigotry. This policy will not make our country safer, but rather heighten racial, nativist and religious tensions in
the United States and beyond. We request that you reply to this letter within the next week. And we ask that you
sit down with us for a meeting to discuss these concerns at your earliest convenience.

Sincerely,
32 BJ SEIU
CARECEN
Centro Corazon de Maria, Hampton Bays
Long Island Civic Engagement Table
Long Island Progressive Coalition
Long Island Wins
Make the Road New York
Muslim Center of Bay Shore
New York Communities for Change
SEPA Mujer