Three Reasons Why The NO BAN Act Endangers National Security, Public Safety



House Democrats recently passed a bill, known as The No Ban Act, that would strip any president of the ability to suspend travel to the U.S. from certain countries that pose a threat to the U.S. Passed by a party-line vote of 233-183, the bill, if it became law, would threaten both public safety and national security. 

Here are three reasons why:

  • Global Pandemics: Under current law, which has been on the books for decades, the president can ban the entry of “any aliens or any class of aliens into the United States who would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.” In terms of the current COVID-19 pandemic, this discretionary authority allowed the president to quickly ban entry of aliens from COVID-19 hotspots like China and Europe, safeguarding the public health of Americans.
  • Ongoing Threats of Terrorism: When threats of terrorism are revealed, the president can quickly act to restrict travel to the U.S. from nations where proper vetting of would-be immigrants and visitors is impossible, or from nations known to harbor dangerous terrorists.
  • Fast, Decisive Action:  The executive branch of government is the only branch capable of making fast, targeted decisions once threats emerge. This ability has been used by presidents for the last three decades, including in 1980 when President Carter barred the admission of Iranians during the hostage crisis. Imagine how long it would take to get anything of this nature past Congress.

The ability of the chief executive to ban entry of certain nationals  had its day in court and won. When President Trump first invoked section 212(f) to ban travel from countries known to harbor terrorists early in his administration, the move was immediately challenged in the courts. Ultimately, the Supreme Court ruled in his favor

This important authority should not be stripped from the president because it has proven not only to be constitutional, but  also has the potential to save American lives.

About Author

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Dave rejoined the Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) in 2016 and brings more than thirty years of proactive communications experience working with non-profits, trade associations and the private sector. Dave has written and placed op-eds in more than 100 publications for national and state leaders in fields ranging from immigration to agriculture policy, food and energy. Ray has served as a chief spokesman for several national organizations and has extensive radio and television experience as well.

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