The executive order to temporarily halt travel to the United States from seven countries (identified by President Barack Obama years ago) due to concerns about terrorism was, let’s just say, not without controversy. The left lost its collective mind and vomited misinformation over the airwaves. The tragedy in the left’s gnashing of teeth and tearing of hair was that the American people only witnessed hysteria and not the thoughtful conversation about this issue that was sorely needed.
Fortunately, while Democrats were encouraging people to protest at airports (we’re looking at you, Joe Salazar), Republicans were offering Americans a diverse set of viewpoints on this incredibly difficult issue. On one hand, we are a compassionate nation, welcoming of the world’s downtrodden and oppressed, but on the other hand, it is prudent to ask who is coming into our country and why.
Here are statements from Colorado’s Republican delegation that show the sincere thought that has been put into how our country handles these tough issues. The diversity in thought that these leaders bring to the table should make Colorado proud.
U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner:
“While I am supportive of strengthening our screening processes and securing our borders, a blanket travel ban goes too far. I also believe that lawful residents of the United States should be permitted to enter the country. I urge the administration to take the appropriate steps to fix this overly broad executive order.”
U.S. Representative Ken Buck, from 5280:
“Our country has always offered hope for the oppressed and homeless, but hope also requires safety and security. We should not let people into this country unless we can thoroughly vet them. America welcomes Muslims from 190 countries and temporarily bans all individuals from seven countries. The President’s executive order is a temporary effort that addresses a serious issue with terrorist hot spots.”
U.S. Representative Mike Coffman, from The Denver Post:
“I certainly would agree with the president that Islamic terrorism is a real threat to our national security. But I think the policy was poorly thought-out and badly executed and I think it’s just an embarrassment. It seemed that it was more crafted by campaign operatives than national security experts.”
U.S. Representative Doug Lamborn:
“The safety and security of America is a primary constitutional function of the federal government. President Trump’s recent Executive Order is consistent with H.R 4038, a bipartisan bill that passed the House in the last Congress and called for a temporary halt of refugees from nations torn apart by terrorism until the implementation of increased security and screening measures. By taking steps to temporarily stop refugee admittance from nations that are hotbeds of terrorist activity, the President is taking prudent action to ensure that his national security and law enforcement teams have the strategies and systems in place that they will need to protect and defend America.
“While I do not support the broad, misinformed, and inflammatory criticisms of the Executive Order, it is important that the privileges of law-abiding Green Card holders are not abridged. I appreciate the White House Chief of Staff clarifying this point over the weekend.”
U.S. Representative Scott Tipton:
“I support strong security vetting for anyone who wishes to enter the United States, regardless of their faith, so a temporary halt on accepting new immigrants and refugees from certain countries that are known hotbeds for terrorism while we strengthen our screening procedures is a reasonable action. However, I am concerned about the impact that the President’s executive order is having on individuals who have visas or green cards. Individuals who have already been vetted and granted visas or permanent resident status should not be impacted by the executive order, and putting them under the umbrella of this order’s reach – no matter where they come from – will further damage an already-flawed immigration system.”