PLNU students protest executive order restricting immigration

President Donald Trump’s recent immigration ban is prompting wide spread opposition around the country, and even in the local San Diego area.

On Friday afternoon Trump signed an executive order that accomplished three specific agendas. It indefinitely banned Syrian refugees from entering the United States, suspended all other refugees from entering for 120 days and blocked citizens of seven countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days. Those countries were Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.

In a statement, the Trump Administration accused the media of misinterpreting his action, “To be clear, this is not a Muslim ban, as the media is falsely reporting. This is not about religion.”

Lindsey Lupo is a professor and co-chair of the History and Political Science Department at PLNU. She addressed the reactions to this executive order, saying, “Supporters argue that the ban rightfully prioritizes the safety and security of Americans, while detractors argue that the ban contradicts many fundamental American values – a celebration of cultural diversity, due process, and Constitutional protection against religious discrimination.”

One individual who disagrees with Trump’s new ban is PLNU student Ali Cleveland. She participated in a protest against the ban and the Trump administration at the San Diego Airport, one of many that took place around the country this past weekend.

On why she attended the protest, Cleveland said, “It’s important to stand in solidarity with those who are being oppressed while sending a bold statement to my local, state, and federal government that I am not okay with what is going on.” Cleveland said that the protest, although out of anger toward the Trump Administration, was very peaceful.

In light of this politically turbulent week, PLNU’s president Bob Brower sent out an e-mail to all students.

“…in many communities, there are deep divisions and fears between and among people and groups of people,” says Brower. “The range of emotions being expressed often makes the separation seem wider than ever before. Too often the fears and anxieties of people from differing groups and perspectives are overlooked or misunderstood as rapid changes in policies, practices, politics, and perceptions increase uncertainties and reduce predictability.”

The fears and anxieties that Brower alluded to were seen around the country after Trump’s executive order; however, Trump remains firm in his order, saying, “This is about terror and keeping our country safe…[and] it is working out very nicely.”

Those who are on board with Trump’s immigration ban hope that it will be a step toward a safer America.

As this ban continues, so will protests and rallies that aim to protest the Trump Administration. Extreme opposition is not unusual during a President’s first few weeks in office. Additionally, Lupo says, “Executive orders are frequently used by presidents, particularly in their first few months in office.”
Trump has followed suit and ordered several issues already, leaving many questioning his presidency, but also finding many in agreement with his actions thus far.