Wyden Statement on Reported Executive Orders Resuming CIA Torture Program and Banning Refugees
Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., issued the following statement in response to reported executive orders opening the door to torture and creating a ban on refugees and immigrants from several majority Muslim nations.
“What the Trump administration appears to be considering with regard to interrogation and detention would be illegal, contrary to our fundamental American values and profoundly destructive to our national security. These reported deliberations within the administration make it even more urgent that the full Senate Intelligence Committee torture report be distributed around the government, declassified and released to the public,” Wyden said.
“Furthermore, the reported ban on refugees and immigrants from several majority Muslim countries is a thinly disguised religious test that would do nothing to safeguard our nation, while running counter to core American values. Shutting the door to these refugees, including many Christians and other religious minorities, forsakes America’s legacy as a place of shelter for those fleeing religious persecution. Banning women and children from war-torn nations from finding refuge in the U.S. only provides fodder for our enemies and distracts from the real threats facing our nation.
I am absolutely committed to fighting any actions that would return us to the dark days of torture or create religious tests to enter the United States. There is a bipartisan coalition in Congress that will oppose these abhorrent proposals and any attempts to circumvent or change the law.”
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