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Protests spread over Trump travel ban on Muslim majority countries – live Protests spread over Trump travel ban on Muslim majority countries – live
(35 minutes later)
10.16pm GMT
22:16
Lauren Gambino
Guardian reporter Lauren Gambino from DC’s rally against Trump’s travel ban:
The march descended on the Capitol chanting, “do your job” at the mostly absent Congress. (It’s a Sunday, after all!).
Jennifer Rodriguez, the daughter of Cuban refugees, marched with them, wearing a pink “pussyhat” from last weekend’s march.
“I can’t imagine what would have happened if President Kennedy at that time had decided to do what Trump is doing— to just send them back,” she said, her voice swelling with emotion. “They would have been killed.”
Rodriguez said she was appalled by the actions the new administration has taken and vowed to continue to protest Trump and his agenda.
“I’ll be here every weekend if that’s what it takes,” she said as the crowd converged on the Capitol lawn.
Like Rodriguez, several people had signs that said “child of refugees” and “nation of immigrants. Many carried signs with the words from the Statue of Liberty that have for generations represented America’s welcoming of immigrants: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.”
For those who wondered if the Women’s March on Washington would translate into a movement, the spontaneous protest on Sunday, which attracted hundreds if not thousands of people, was a positive sign.
Anjali Singh, who heard about the protest on Facebook last night and came with her friends, said she felt empowered by the rally and already plans to attend future ones. But still, she couldn’t help but to wonder if it was making a difference.
“I want to see action, I want to see policy changes,” she said.
Her friend, Zulakha Iqbal said she felt it was important to show up and make her voice heard.
“I’ll be protesting until the next election cycle - until at least 2018,” Iqbal said. “That’s the whole point, keeping up the momentum.”
After about twenty minutes of chanting in front of the Capitol, the protestors began to disperse for the evening.
10.06pm GMT
22:06
Congress representatives are fighting against Border and Customs Patrol officials at Washington Dulles Airport in Virginia, after dozens of people reportedly remain detained despite last night’s court order putting a stay on Trump’s executive order.
Representative Don Beyer is at the airport, with Congress colleagues Gerry Connolly and Jamie Raskin.
We have a constitutional crisis today. Four Members of Congress asked CBP officials to enforce a federal court order and were turned away.
From a Huffington Post reporter, who tweeted that he was told 16 people were detained off one flight from Turkey.
At Dulles, Rep. Raskin just told me: "The rule of law is on a tightrope in America right now."
Footage from the airport shows Congressman Connelly speaking with border control, and when Dulles Airport Police is mentioned, he replied: “And I want them to know I’m going to be a pain in the ass”.
Rep. Raskin, Connelly, Beyer at Dulles demanding access to Customs over detainees pic.twitter.com/j772vl7Blm
A veteran-led rally will be held at 7pm at the Dulles airport tonight. From the rally’s press release:
Army Captain Matt Zeller, co-founder of No One Left Behind, which resettles translators and others who helped American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan, stated that his organization has received over 500 messages from Afghans and Iraqis currently trapped abroad, hunted by the Taliban and ISIS for supporting our war effort, desperate to get to safety, and terrified America will slam the door closed.
“Without Janis, my translator, I would not be alive today,” said Captain Zeller. “I would have been killed by two Taliban fighters in the hills of Afghanistan and not fighting for interpreters’ rights today. President Trump’s order permanently harms our national security. It pains me to think how many U.S. soldiers will now die in future wars because we couldn’t recruit the local support that is often the difference between life and death.”
Updated
at 10.09pm GMT
9.51pm GMT
21:51
Trump slams McCain and Graham: 'sadly weak on immigration'
Continuing on Trump, he’s now taken to Twitter to slam Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham, Republicans who criticized his executive order as more likely to help Isis than stop terrorists.
The joint statement of former presidential candidates John McCain & Lindsey Graham is wrong - they are sadly weak on immigration. The two...
...Senators should focus their energies on ISIS, illegal immigration and border security instead of always looking to start World War III.
9.49pm GMT
21:49
Just in contrast to Donald Trump’s claim that his travel ban executive order is “not a Muslim ban”, my colleague Ben Jacobs reminded us of Trump’s statement from December, 2015:
Donald J. Trump is calling for a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States until our country’s representatives can figure out what is going on. According to Pew Research, among others, there is great hatred towards Americans by large segments of the Muslim population. Most recently, a poll from the Center for Security Policy released data showing “25% of those polled agreed that violence against Americans here in the United States is justified as a part of the global jihad” and 51% of those polled, “agreed that Muslims in America should have the choice of being governed according to Shariah.” Shariah authorizes such atrocities as murder against non-believers who won’t convert, beheadings and more unthinkable acts that pose great harm to Americans, especially women.
Mr. Trump stated, “Without looking at the various polling data, it is obvious to anybody the hatred is beyond comprehension. Where this hatred comes from and why we will have to determine. Until we are able to determine and understand this problem and the dangerous threat it poses, our country cannot be the victims of horrendous attacks by people that believe only in Jihad, and have no sense of reason or respect for human life. If I win the election for President, we are going to Make America Great Again.
9.41pm GMT9.41pm GMT
21:4121:41
Donald Trump: 'this is not a Muslim ban'Donald Trump: 'this is not a Muslim ban'
A statement just in from Donald Trump, saying that his executive order is “not about religion.”A statement just in from Donald Trump, saying that his executive order is “not about religion.”
The president says his order it is “not a Muslim ban” but instead “similar” to former president Obama’s policy on refugees from Iraq.The president says his order it is “not a Muslim ban” but instead “similar” to former president Obama’s policy on refugees from Iraq.
This is the full statement:This is the full statement:
America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border. America has always been the land of the free and home of the brave. We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media knows, but refuses to say. My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The seven countries named in the Executive Order are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror.America is a proud nation of immigrants and we will continue to show compassion to those fleeing oppression, but we will do so while protecting our own citizens and border. America has always been the land of the free and home of the brave. We will keep it free and keep it safe, as the media knows, but refuses to say. My policy is similar to what President Obama did in 2011 when he banned visas for refugees from Iraq for six months. The seven countries named in the Executive Order are the same countries previously identified by the Obama administration as sources of terror.
To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion - this is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order. We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days. I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria. My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country, but as president I will find ways to help all those who are suffering.To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion - this is about terror and keeping our country safe. There are over 40 different countries worldwide that are majority Muslim that are not affected by this order. We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days. I have tremendous feeling for the people involved in this horrific humanitarian crisis in Syria. My first priority will always be to protect and serve our country, but as president I will find ways to help all those who are suffering.
9.36pm GMT9.36pm GMT
21:3621:36
At least 4 people still detained at JFK despite legal decisionAt least 4 people still detained at JFK despite legal decision
Edward HelmoreEdward Helmore
Guardian reporter Edward Helmore from JFK airport in New York City:Guardian reporter Edward Helmore from JFK airport in New York City:
Around three pm, Iranian Iman Alknfushe‎, a US permanent legal resident who had been held since early Saturday, was released to her family. Her release followed that of Iranian student Bahide Rasekhikollkdragh earlier in the day.Around three pm, Iranian Iman Alknfushe‎, a US permanent legal resident who had been held since early Saturday, was released to her family. Her release followed that of Iranian student Bahide Rasekhikollkdragh earlier in the day.
Congressman Hakeem Jeffries ‎of New York said to his knowledge around “four or five” people were still being detained at JFK, down from 13 at late Saturday. The number was fluid because as some were released, still more arrived including four Somali Americans overnight. They are understood to be permanent legal residents.Congressman Hakeem Jeffries ‎of New York said to his knowledge around “four or five” people were still being detained at JFK, down from 13 at late Saturday. The number was fluid because as some were released, still more arrived including four Somali Americans overnight. They are understood to be permanent legal residents.
“We’re trying to move people from what we believe is unlawful detention as expeditiously as possible” he said.“We’re trying to move people from what we believe is unlawful detention as expeditiously as possible” he said.
Jeffries described a complex system of court rulings, directives from the Department of Homeland security and the administration.Jeffries described a complex system of court rulings, directives from the Department of Homeland security and the administration.
“The local border patrol has been relatively cooperative. However the White House chief of staff said today that executive order does not apply to permanent legal residents. But even his interpretation is inaccurate. There are are multiple permanent legal residents being detained, in some cases for more than 30 hours.”“The local border patrol has been relatively cooperative. However the White House chief of staff said today that executive order does not apply to permanent legal residents. But even his interpretation is inaccurate. There are are multiple permanent legal residents being detained, in some cases for more than 30 hours.”
Jeffries said it was obvious the White House had put out inaccurate information based on what we’re seeing.Jeffries said it was obvious the White House had put out inaccurate information based on what we’re seeing.
“There are illegal residents who have been unlawfully detained in their home country. End of story. We’ve seen it time and again,” he said. “There are legal residents who have been unlawfully detained in their home country. End of story. We’ve seen it time and again,” he said.
The congressman also expressed concern that lawful US residents were being denied permission to return.The congressman also expressed concern that lawful US residents were being denied permission to return.
“There is a couple in Jordan, one of whom is a green card holder, who are being prevented from board‎ing a flight.”“There is a couple in Jordan, one of whom is a green card holder, who are being prevented from board‎ing a flight.”
Updated
at 10.07pm GMT
9.27pm GMT9.27pm GMT
21:2721:27
Britons holding dual citizenship with any of the seven Muslim-majority countries listed as suspended by the United States will still be allowed to enter the US, says the Foreign Office.Britons holding dual citizenship with any of the seven Muslim-majority countries listed as suspended by the United States will still be allowed to enter the US, says the Foreign Office.
A statement from the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says that after conversations with the US government, the department can confirm the following (direct from its statement):A statement from the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson says that after conversations with the US government, the department can confirm the following (direct from its statement):
The presidential executive order only applies to individuals travelling from one of the seven named countries.The presidential executive order only applies to individuals travelling from one of the seven named countries.
If you are travelling to the US from anywhere other than one of those countries (for instance, the UK) the executive order does not apply to you and you will experience no extra checks regardless of your nationality or your place of birth.If you are travelling to the US from anywhere other than one of those countries (for instance, the UK) the executive order does not apply to you and you will experience no extra checks regardless of your nationality or your place of birth.
If you are a UK national who happens to be travelling from one of those countries to the US, then the order does not apply to you – even if you were born in one of those countries.If you are a UK national who happens to be travelling from one of those countries to the US, then the order does not apply to you – even if you were born in one of those countries.
If you are a dual citizen of one of those countries travelling to the US from OUTSIDE those countries then the order does not apply to you.If you are a dual citizen of one of those countries travelling to the US from OUTSIDE those countries then the order does not apply to you.
The only dual nationals who might have extra checks are those coming from one of the seven countries themselves – for example a UK-Libya dual national coming from Libya to the US.The only dual nationals who might have extra checks are those coming from one of the seven countries themselves – for example a UK-Libya dual national coming from Libya to the US.
9.14pm GMT9.14pm GMT
21:1421:14
Chelsea Clinton protests at NYC rally against banChelsea Clinton protests at NYC rally against ban
Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Hillary and Bill, is at the New York rally against the immigration ban.Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Hillary and Bill, is at the New York rally against the immigration ban.
#NewYork #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/4rndBgMDAH#NewYork #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/4rndBgMDAH
Yes. We will keep standing up for a country that matches our values and ideals for all. pic.twitter.com/yfVlX5sL3fYes. We will keep standing up for a country that matches our values and ideals for all. pic.twitter.com/yfVlX5sL3f
9.04pm GMT9.04pm GMT
21:0421:04
Dozens of rallies across the country continue to attract thousands protesting Donald Trump’s executive order restricting travel.Dozens of rallies across the country continue to attract thousands protesting Donald Trump’s executive order restricting travel.
Guardian readers tweeted us from Boston’s rally in Copley Square:Guardian readers tweeted us from Boston’s rally in Copley Square:
@ambiej live from Boston pic.twitter.com/cdMAvr3wRC@ambiej live from Boston pic.twitter.com/cdMAvr3wRC
@ambiej from my friend Clara in Boston pic.twitter.com/soPV4TwVyS@ambiej from my friend Clara in Boston pic.twitter.com/soPV4TwVyS
From a Guardian reader in Rochester, New York:From a Guardian reader in Rochester, New York:
.@ambiej Rochester, NY—"We will not be bullied!" pic.twitter.com/45ogS4cfet.@ambiej Rochester, NY—"We will not be bullied!" pic.twitter.com/45ogS4cfet
https://twitter.com/GrandREvans/status/825791520812986368https://twitter.com/GrandREvans/status/825791520812986368
From Sabrina Siddiqui at the DC rally:From Sabrina Siddiqui at the DC rally:
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House began marching toward the US Capitol, many clutching signs that read “Refugees welcome”. They chanted a call and response of “What do you want -- justice? When do you want it -- now”, while others still standing outside the White House gates simply shouted “Shame”.Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House began marching toward the US Capitol, many clutching signs that read “Refugees welcome”. They chanted a call and response of “What do you want -- justice? When do you want it -- now”, while others still standing outside the White House gates simply shouted “Shame”.
.@ambiej Somalian refugee/RIT student speaking now. He flew into JFK yesterday and made it back home to Rochester. #Jan29Roc #NoBanNoWall.@ambiej Somalian refugee/RIT student speaking now. He flew into JFK yesterday and made it back home to Rochester. #Jan29Roc #NoBanNoWall
A Guardian reader sent this pic from outside the new Trump hotel in DC:A Guardian reader sent this pic from outside the new Trump hotel in DC:
#NoBanNoWall #dc @ambiej pic.twitter.com/xcPRYi7gCn#NoBanNoWall #dc @ambiej pic.twitter.com/xcPRYi7gCn
Guardian reporter Sabrina Siddiqui sent this update from the DC rally:Guardian reporter Sabrina Siddiqui sent this update from the DC rally:
Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House began marching toward the US Capitol, many clutching signs that read “Refugees welcome”. They chanted a call and response of “What do you want -- justice? When do you want it -- now”, while others still standing outside the White House gates simply shouted “Shame”.Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the White House began marching toward the US Capitol, many clutching signs that read “Refugees welcome”. They chanted a call and response of “What do you want -- justice? When do you want it -- now”, while others still standing outside the White House gates simply shouted “Shame”.
From a Guardian reader outside the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport in Minnesota:From a Guardian reader outside the Minneapolis−Saint Paul International Airport in Minnesota:
This is what democracy looks like. @ambiej #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/EftESbvZ1nThis is what democracy looks like. @ambiej #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/EftESbvZ1n
From a reader at San Francisco’s airport rally:From a reader at San Francisco’s airport rally:
Four photos from the #SFProtest today... (News orgs: I have high-res photos; just ask.) pic.twitter.com/trybAZvUiKFour photos from the #SFProtest today... (News orgs: I have high-res photos; just ask.) pic.twitter.com/trybAZvUiK
Are you at a rally? Please tweet photos, news and videos to me at @ambiej.Are you at a rally? Please tweet photos, news and videos to me at @ambiej.
8.54pm GMT8.54pm GMT
20:5420:54
Tech industry comes out in force against travel banTech industry comes out in force against travel ban
Many leaders in the tech industry came out strongly against Trump’s executive order which bans refugees and suspends entry for visa-holders from seven Muslim-majority countries.Many leaders in the tech industry came out strongly against Trump’s executive order which bans refugees and suspends entry for visa-holders from seven Muslim-majority countries.
As Edward Helmore reports:As Edward Helmore reports:
Executives at major tech companies that rely on foreign skilled labour also expressed concern. In a memo to staff, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said it had been “painful to see the personal cost” on our colleagues. The tech giant’s USSR-born co-founder, Sergei Brin, attended the protest at San Francisco’s airport, telling reporters he was there in a personal capacity, “because I am a refugee”.Executives at major tech companies that rely on foreign skilled labour also expressed concern. In a memo to staff, Google Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said it had been “painful to see the personal cost” on our colleagues. The tech giant’s USSR-born co-founder, Sergei Brin, attended the protest at San Francisco’s airport, telling reporters he was there in a personal capacity, “because I am a refugee”.
Apple head Tim Cook said in an email to employees that he had contacted the White House to explain the “negative effect” of the restrictions, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, an Indian immigrant, described in an online post “the positive impact that immigration has on our company, for the country, and for the world”.Apple head Tim Cook said in an email to employees that he had contacted the White House to explain the “negative effect” of the restrictions, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, an Indian immigrant, described in an online post “the positive impact that immigration has on our company, for the country, and for the world”.
The tech world focused fundraising efforts for ACLU, which led the legal challenge against Trump’s executie order.The tech world focused fundraising efforts for ACLU, which led the legal challenge against Trump’s executie order.
Car-ride company Lyft co-founders announced the company would donation $1 million to the ACLU over the next four years to help its working defending the constitution.Car-ride company Lyft co-founders announced the company would donation $1 million to the ACLU over the next four years to help its working defending the constitution.
The popular game Dots installed a pop-up in its app, declaring it welcomes “players from all over the world” , with a “support now” button linking directly to the ACLU donation page.The popular game Dots installed a pop-up in its app, declaring it welcomes “players from all over the world” , with a “support now” button linking directly to the ACLU donation page.
.@dots is taking a stand. We are showing this to all of our players. 3-4 million people will see this soon #MuslimBan (thx @karaswisher) pic.twitter.com/5qwrVkuNF1.@dots is taking a stand. We are showing this to all of our players. 3-4 million people will see this soon #MuslimBan (thx @karaswisher) pic.twitter.com/5qwrVkuNF1
Many tech types took to Twitter to offer to match ACLU donations, taking over from each other as soon as each total was reached.Many tech types took to Twitter to offer to match ACLU donations, taking over from each other as soon as each total was reached.
Dominik Hofmann, the founder of Vine and Byte, offered to match ACLU donations up to $50,000 Saturday night, with dozens of people sending receipts for donations ranging from $10 to thousands of dollars. A combined $116,000 was donated, tweeted Hofmann.Dominik Hofmann, the founder of Vine and Byte, offered to match ACLU donations up to $50,000 Saturday night, with dozens of people sending receipts for donations ranging from $10 to thousands of dollars. A combined $116,000 was donated, tweeted Hofmann.
Steven Frank from Panic matched donations to $10,000, raising that amount in one hour. Eoghan McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Intercom, offered to match up to $50k on Sunday, as did Patrick Collison from Stripe.Steven Frank from Panic matched donations to $10,000, raising that amount in one hour. Eoghan McCabe, CEO and co-founder of Intercom, offered to match up to $50k on Sunday, as did Patrick Collison from Stripe.
Outside of the tech world, singer Sia and actor Rosie O’Donnell both offered to meet ACLU donations up to $100,000.Outside of the tech world, singer Sia and actor Rosie O’Donnell both offered to meet ACLU donations up to $100,000.
UpdatedUpdated
at 9.28pm GMTat 9.28pm GMT
8.04pm GMT
20:04
Lauren Gambino
From Guardian reporter Lauren Gambino at the anti-travel ban rally outside the White House:
Hundreds of protesters with American flags, homemade signs and placards from last weekend’s women’s march are walking down Pennsylvania Ave toward the White House chanting: Shame.
Protesters are reacting to the executive orders signed by the new president Donald Trump this week to start building a wall along the southern border and a draconian measure to halt immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries.
The impromptu rally follows similar scenes at airports around the country, where green card holders were detained and barred from entering.
Boos rang out and a number of middle fingers went up as the marchers in DC passed Trump international hotel along Pennsylvania Ave, chanting “refugees are welcome here”.
8.00pm GMT
20:00
Custom and border agents defying federal judges order, say attorneys
Edward Helmore
Customs and Border Protection agents defied the orders of federal judges regarding Donald Trump’s travel bans on Sunday, according to attorneys who rallied popular protests around the country in support of detained refugees and travellers from seven Muslim-majority countries.
“Rogue customs and Border Patrol agents continue to try to get people on to planes,” Becca Heller, director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, told reporters on Sunday. “A lot of people have been handcuffed, a lot of people who don’t speak English are being coerced into taking involuntary departures.”
Agents told attorneys “it’s not going to happen” at Dulles international airport in Virginia on Sunday, as they tried to see detainees, according to Damon Silvers, special counsel at AFL-CIO, one of the legal groups trying to help visa holders in detention or threatened with deportation. Late Saturday night, federal judges in New York, Virginia and Massachusetts ordered a temporary halt to the president’s deportation of people who had arrived in the US with valid visas.
7.54pm GMT
19:54
The USA men’s soccer captain, Michael Bradley, has attacked Donald Trump’s executive order, which bans travel to the US from seven Muslim-majority countries.
When Trump won the presidential election in November, Bradley said it was important “to give our president support”. However, Trump’s latest decision caused Bradley to speak out in an interview with Sports Illustrated’s Grant Wahl and then on his Instagram page.
“A few hours ago ago I gave an interview to Grant Wahl,” wrote Bradley, who has made more than 125 appearances for the men’s national team.
Read the rest of the story here.
7.43pm GMT
19:43
The Iranian-born BBC reporter who was stopped at immigration today upon arriving at a US airport today, Ali Hamedani, has been allowed to enter - but had his phone and computer searched.
All done! They've interviewed, searched my bag, searched my phone and computer and let me in after 2 hours. He said I can come back anytime.
7.40pm GMT
19:40
Reporters Saeed Kamali Dehghan, Cathy Otten, Alice Ross and Kareem Shaheen have been collecting stories from people all over the world affected by the ban:
Employee of an international airline at Dubai airport
We’ve had no written instructions yet from the US, at least not on the frontline, and the instructions that we have received don’t mention dual nationality or green cards – it’s very unclear what to do.
Some people are being stopped, while others are being given the benefit of the doubt. So if, for example, a passenger is Syrian holding a US passport we’re turning a blind eye – we’re pretending we haven’t seen the Syrian passport.
One passenger stuck in the airport here is a Syrian green card holder who was denied boarding. Her family, her job, her whole life is in the US and when she asks us when we will allow her to go home, none of us know what to say. Unfortunately because she’s Syrian it’s difficult for her to get a visa for Dubai and it’s difficult for her to go elsewhere.
At the moment her chances of getting into the US depend on which airport she goes to. If she’s landing in New York they’ll send her back, if it’s Houston they might accept her – what we’ve found is it really depends on which shift is operating; it’s not even a standard airport policy.
Last I heard they were trying any airport as long as she gets to US soil, and then at least once she’s there she can create a legal challenge or manage her way in instead of being stuck in Dubai.
Read other stories from individuals affected by the Trump travel ban here.
7.24pm GMT
19:24
McCain and Graham: Trump's travel ban helps terrorists
Republican Senators John McCain and Lindsey Graham released a joint statement condemning the Trump’s travel ban executive order, declaring it “not properly vetted” and saying it will likely aide terrorist groups by telling people that the US shuns Muslims.
The statement reads:
Our government has a responsibility to defend our borders, but we must do so in a way that makes us safer and upholds all that is decent and exceptional about our nation.
It is clear from the confusion at our airports across the nation that President Trump’s executive order was not properly vetted. We are particularly concerned by reports that this order went into effect with little to no consultation with the Departments of State, Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.
Such a hasty process risks harmful results. We should not stop green-card holders from returning to the country they call home. We should not stop those who have served as interpreters for our military and diplomats from seeking refuge in the country they risked their lives to help. And we should not turn our backs on those refugees who have been shown through extensive vetting to pose no demonstrable threat to our nation, and who have suffered unspeakable horrors, most of them women and children.
Ultimately, we fear this executive order will become a self-inflicted wound in the fight against terrorism. At this very moment, American troops are fighting side-by-side with our Iraqi partners to defeat ISIL. But this executive order bans Iraqi pilots from coming to military bases in Arizona to fight our common enemies. Our most important allies in the fight against ISIL are the vast majority of Muslims who reject its apocalyptic ideology of hatred. This executive order sends a signal, intended or not, that America does not want Muslims coming into our country. That is why we fear this executive order may do more to help terrorist recruitment than improve our security.
Updated
at 7.26pm GMT
7.17pm GMT
19:17
This just in from Sabrina Siddiqui, a Guardian reporter at the DC protest:
Shinee the dog, who is originally from Korea, is here to protest pic.twitter.com/750EpfueEG
7.11pm GMT
19:11
Thousands rally at anti-travel ban protests across the nation
Thousands of people are now attending rallies in cities across the country.
A rally in Battery Park, in lower Manhattan, New York City, has just begun:
Lotta ppl at battery park #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/P4R7NNIMls
The official NYC subway account has been tweeting subway updates in anticipation of the large crowds:
If you are heading to the protest at Battery Park, be sure to fill up your MetroCard before you go to avoid lines in crowded stations.
Hundreds gather on the steps of the Rhode Island state house in Providence, RI.
The crowd has grown in size here at RI State House pic.twitter.com/YdfO6tOQKy
Boston’s Copley Square looks full:
View from Sky 7 of the protest in Copley Square right now -- in opposition to President Trump's exec orders: pic.twitter.com/j0Gmn1zJty
A crowd of a few hundred students have gathered to protest in the scenic grounds of the University of Virginia:
Protest at the university of Virginia sponsored by the Minority Rights Coalition happening now #resist @ambiej pic.twitter.com/IFF6G5yt7t
Large crowds also gathered outside the White House in DC:
#nomuslimban rally in front of White House pic.twitter.com/wGmHEhvTCF
Are you at a anti-travel ban rally? Please tweet photos, news and video from the rallies to me at @ambiej.
6.57pm GMT
18:57
Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy promises to introduce a bill to overturn Trump’s executive order this week, although since Congress and the Senate are both Republican controlled it has very little to no chance of passing.
The law is clear. The #MuslimBan is illegal. I will introduce a bill this week to immediately overturn this dangerous, hateful order.
6.39pm GMT
18:39
The president of Columbia University, Lee Bollinger, emailed all staff and students of the university last night speaking out against Trump’s travel ban, noting the impact it will have on the academic community. While it seems no Columbia University staff have been caught up so far, many other academics and students from other universities have been amongst those stopped from entering.
In the email published at Columbia Spectator, Bollinger wrote:
An estimated 17,000 international students in the U.S. are from the seven nations covered by the entry ban. Scholars planning to travel to the United States for meetings and conferences at our colleges and universities will effectively be barred from attending. If this order stands, there is the certainty of a profound impact on our University community, which is committed to welcoming students, faculty, and staff from around the world, as well as across the nation.
As I have said on many occasions, it is critically important that the University, as such, not take stands on ideological or political issues. Yet it is also true that the University, as an institution in the society, must step forward to object when policies and state action conflict with its fundamental values, and especially when they bespeak purposes and a mentality that are at odds with our basic mission. This is such a case.