Local Representatives Oppose Trump's Immigration Order

Many of the Congressional representatives for Nassau County have voiced opposition to President Trump's executive order on immigration.

Representatives Kathleen Rice and Tom Suozzi, both Democrats, spoke out against it and joined other Congressional Democrats in protesting on the steps of the Supreme Court. Senators Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both also Democrats, are also opposed to the law.

Congressman Peter King, Long Island's most preeminent Republican, did not return requests for comment and has not commented on the executive order publicly.

"Refugees are already vetted more exhaustively than anyone who’s admitted to this country, and we should always be looking for ways to keep strengthening all of our security procedures," Rice said. "But that’s not what this order is about. President Trump wants to keep Muslims out, as he’s said himself, and he wants us to turn our backs on the most vulnerable people in the world in the midst of a global refugee crisis. This is what President Trump calls 'America First,' and it’s the very definition of un-American."

Earlier this week, Rice was named the ranking Democrat on the Counterterrorism and Intelligence Subcommittee, which King is the Chairman of.

Suozzi, who has just begun his first term in the House of Representatives, was also against the executive order.

"While we all are concerned about the security of our people and our nation, we cannot abandon our values," he said. "The most basic American principle is 'that all men and women are created equal.' It is not that all men and women with a green card or passport are created equal, it is that ALL men and women are created equal. This issue cannot become an excuse for discrimination. I am adamantly opposed to targeting whole populations of people based upon their religion. It is un-American."

Senator Schumer, the Minority Leader of the Senate, has also spoken out against the order at length. "Taking in immigrants and refugees is not only humanitarian but has also boosted our economy and created jobs decade after decade," he said in a statement. "This is one of the most backward and nasty executive orders that the president has issued."

And Senator Gillibrand joined the chorus against Trump's executive order. "President Trump's Executive Order on refugees harms our image as a beacon of light and hope around the world and cruelly punishes innocent families fleeing war," she said. "I will work with my colleagues in congress to reverse this action and welcome desperate children and families while keeping America safe."

Photo: Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand's Office