News & Resources
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2025
PRESS CONTACT
Henrike Dessaules | media@refugeerights.org
IRAP STRONGLY DENOUNCES NEW TRAVEL BAN
(New York, NY) – Today, President Trump issued a new proclamation barring most nationals of 12 countries and limiting people from seven additional countries from entering the United States starting Monday. While the ban allows for exceptions for certain categories, such as Afghan Special Immigrant Visa holders and certain ethnic and religious minorities in Iran, this proclamation will likely preclude thousands of people from seeking safety and family unity in the United States.
In response, Stephanie Gee, Senior Director of U.S. Legal Services at the International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), issued the following statement:
“Today’s proclamation weaponizes and distorts immigration laws to target people that the president dislikes and disagrees with – and it does so based primarily on racial and religious animus. It is yet another shameful attempt by the Trump administration to sow division, fear, and chaos. It is also completely arbitrary, making an exception for athletes traveling for the World Cup and the Olympics, while closing the door to ordinary people who’ve gone through extensive legal processes to enter the United States. This racist and xenophobic ban will keep families apart. We cannot allow this Administration to erode foundational American principles and replace them with their bigoted agenda.
IRAP and our clients stand ready to defend the rights of the families and communities harmed by this disastrous proclamation, reaffirming that justice, dignity, and welcome are not only values we uphold, but promises we are determined to fulfill.”
Additional Resources
- Learn about IRAP’s response to the first Trump Administration’s Muslim ban: HERE
The International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP) is a global legal aid and advocacy organization working to create a world where refugees and all people seeking safety are empowered to claim their right to freedom of movement and a path to lasting refuge. Everyone should have a safe place to live and a safe way to get there.
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