Front Page Talking Points

FOR THE WEEK OF JAN. 30, 2017

Trump temporarily bans all refugees, plus citizens from 7 nations with Muslim majorities

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1.gifSummarize the latest news from an update on this topic.

2.gifShare a quote from someone affected by the presidential order.

3.gifTell why you agree or disagree with an editorial, column, cartoon or reader letter on this issue.

President Trump is having an immediate impact on U.S. policy by issuing executive orders in areas where he can act without congressional review. A sweeping step came Friday with immigration restrictions. He suspends refugee admissions for 120 days, bars Syrian refugees indefinitely and puts a 90-day ban on U.S. entry by citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries. That last action affects students, tourists, athletes, artists, executives and others from places considered terrorist risks. The move blocked some travelers from boarding planes overseas and forced others to turn around upon arrival. It sparks legal challenges and protests.

The order, issued seven day after Trump took office, is titled: "Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States." Here's part of the stated reason behind it: "The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism." Everyone from these countries is banned for at least three months: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. In addition, anyone with dual citizenship – including Americans -- can be barred from re-entry if their other passport is from one of those nations. That temporarily restricts travel by Americans in that status.

The American Civil Liberties Union and other groups, including the Council on Islamic-American Relations, are suing in an effort to block the order as unconstitutional. Congress members are speaking out, including Republican Sen. Ben Sasse of Nebraska. "This order is too broad," he says, adding: "The terrorist recruiters win by telling kids that America is banning Muslims and that this is America versus one religion." A Democratic senator, Gary Peters of Michigan, comments: "One of America's founding – and most sacred – principles is the freedom of religion. I am extremely alarmed by President Trump's executive order that effectively implements a religious test for those seeking to enter the United States."

Executive order says: "To protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles."

Policy defender says: "It's a necessary step for us to take for the security of our nation. I don’t think it’s un-American. I think it's very reasonable." -- Michael Banerian, 22, a Trump delegate at last year's Republican National Convention

Iranian-American says: "How do I get back home now? What about my job? If I can't go back soon, I’ll lose everything."-- Daria Zeynalia, who has permanent U.S. resident status and was visiting family members in Iran

Front Page Talking Points is written by Alan Stamm for NIEonline.com, Copyright 2024

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Common Core State Standard
SL.CCS.1/2/3/4 Grades 6-12: An essay of a current news event is provided for discussion to encourage participation, but also inspire the use of evidence to support logical claims using the main ideas of the article. Students must analyze background information provided about a current event within the news, draw out the main ideas and key details, and review different opinions on the issue. Then, students should present their own claims using facts and analysis for support.