WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the House Judiciary Committee voted to advance the NO BAN Act (H.R. 1333). The bill, introduced by Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), would close loopholes in immigration law to prevent future presidents from enacting another Muslim Ban or similar, discriminatory bans. The bill is now expected to go to the House floor for a full vote. In her statement on Ramadan, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said the House would pass the NO BAN Act by the end of April. The following is a statement from Muslim Advocates Special Counsel for Anti-Muslim Bigotry Madihha Ahussain:

“Even though President Biden rescinded the discriminatory Muslim Ban on his first day in office, the threat of a future immigration ban on Muslims, Africans or other nationalities and religions persists. With today’s vote, the House Judiciary Committee has brought us closer to ensuring that this cruel discrimination never happens again. Donald Trump’s Muslim Ban was born out of anti-Muslim and anti-immigrant hate. Unfortunately, these forces still thrive in our politics and could easily be harnessed again to score political points by banning and separating families. That is why we must pass the NO BAN Act. 

Thank you, Chairman Nadler for shepherding the NO BAN Act through the markup process and thank you, Sen. Coons, Reps. Chu, Jayapal, Tlaib, Omar, Carson and all the other members of Congress who have supported this bill and worked to protect the Muslim community. We call on all members of the House to support and vote for this historic and necessary Muslim civil rights bill.”

Muslim Advocates has worked with members of Congress to support bill and also leads the NO BAN Act coalition, an alliance of over 100 diverse civic, civil rights, faith and community organizations fighting to end the ban and pass the NO BAN Act. Yesterday, Muslim Advocates sent a letter to the House Judiciary Committee from over 400 organizations, including members of the NO BAN Act coalition, urging full passage of the bill. 

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Muslim Advocates is a national civil rights organization working in the courts, in the halls of power and in communities to halt bigotry in its tracks. We ensure that American Muslims have a seat at the table with expert representation so that all Americans may live free from hate and discrimination.