Windsorites denounce U.S. travel ban

By: Maryam Farag

Windsorites are speaking out about President Trump’s executive order which stops citizens of Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States.

President Trump signed an order on Jan. 27 banning citizens from Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Iraq, Iran, Libya and Yemen from entering the U.S. for the next 90 days, and suspending the admission of Syrian refugees for 120 days.

“It is kind of stupid, but I just think it is more of a temporary thing because this is all that he was talking about in his campaign,” said Yohan Udwadia, who is of Indian descent. “I guess he’s just trying to show the world that he stays true to his word. Hopefully that’s the case and things end.”

In response to the order, Iran and Iraq officials announced they will prevent U.S. citizens from entering their countries, calling President Trump’s action an obvious insult to the Islamic world.

“This negatively affects people and communities and increases animosities among them which is, sadly, dangerous,” said Yousef Wahb, imam of Rose City Islamic Centre in Windsor.

Prime Minister Trudeau responded to the executive order by tweeting, “To those fleeing persecution, terror and war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada,” on Jan. 28.

“I think we should be welcoming people regardless of their religion, race or ethnic background,” said Tammy Zimmerman, Schlegel Villages volunteer coordinator at St. Clair College. “We should always welcome new Canadians. We need new Canadians for fresh ideas.”

Wahb said being a Muslim who loves his religion and cares about his faith identity does not contradict his love for the country he lives in.

“Discriminating people based on their faith is such a horrific thing in 2017. I’m really worried about the American future if it keeps going this way. We should be strong, not in spite of the differences but because of them,” said Wahb.

Mr. Trump has been accused by Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington of excluding certain countries from the travel ban because he has business interests in those territories. The actual reason behind the executive order is still unknown, although the Trump administration cites terror and safety concerns.