US: Democratic Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Prevent Future Muslim Bans Amid Trump’s Potential Return

As the 2024 presidential election approaches and Donald Trump seeks a second term, Democratic lawmakers are taking proactive measures to safeguard against discriminatory immigration policies by reintroducing a significant piece of legislation aimed at preventing future Muslim bans.

In light of a possible Donald Trump resurgence in the 2024 presidential race, Democratic lawmakers have reintroduced a significant piece of legislation aimed at preventing future administrations from enacting discriminatory Muslim bans.

According to an article published yesterday by Anadolu Agency, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, led by Senator Chris Coons and Congresswoman Judy Chu, seeks to bolster federal immigration law against religious discrimination and ensure that any suspension of entry into the U.S. is narrowly defined.

Congresswoman Chu characterized Trump’s previous Muslim ban as “a hateful stain on our nation,” emphasizing that it was rooted in bigotry and Islamophobia, which caused lasting harm to affected families. The restrictions, imposed shortly after Trump took office in 2017, targeted refugees from several majority-Muslim countries, notably excluding nations like Türkiye and Egypt.

As Trump campaigns for a second term, Chu expressed gratitude for President Joe Biden’s swift action on his first day in office to rescind the ban. However, she warned against the risk of allowing prejudice to shape policy again. Senator Coons echoed her sentiments, describing the ban as “cruel and counterproductive,” noting its devastating impact on families and individuals detained at airports under harsh conditions.

“We must ensure that this senseless policy is never repeated,” Coons stated, advocating for the NO BAN Act to prevent future discriminatory travel restrictions and uphold the nation’s core values.

Originally introduced in 2019, the bill has garnered support in previous sessions, passing the House of Representatives in both 2020 and 2021. The Biden administration has publicly backed the legislation, condemning the initial ban as “a stain on our national conscience” and inconsistent with the U.S. tradition of welcoming individuals of all faiths.