U.S. House Passes Critical NO BAN Act

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act to end the discriminatory Muslim bans put in place by the Trump administration and institute vital protections against future attempts at additional bans. Planned Parenthood Action Fund stands alongside partners and champions in Congress to applaud this important step forward.

Adding language about “communicable disease," however, to a bill about immigration plays into a long tradition of racist and xenophobic attitudes towards immigrants as health risks — stereotypes that have been weaponized by the Trump administration since the pandemic began. The newly added language only stokes false narratives, which contribute to increased violence against Asian American communities, and could lead to new discriminatory policies. Congress must reject racism in all forms and ensure that any restrictions tied to COVID-19 be grounded in science and public health.

Statement from Alexis McGill Johnson, president, Planned Parenthood Action Fund:

“The administration’s Muslim bans separate families, block people from accessing lifesaving health care, prevent people from caring for their children, and force families to live apart — all because of a person’s religion. We cannot allow this to continue. The NO BAN Act should not be delayed, but Congress must remove language that supports the Trump administration’s criminalization of Asian American communities, especially as they face increased discrimination during this pandemic. Planned Parenthood health centers are open to everyone regardless of faith, country of origin, and immigrant or refugee status — this country should be too.”

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Planned Parenthood Action Fund is an independent, nonpartisan, not-for-profit membership organization formed as the advocacy and political arm of Planned Parenthood Federation of America. The Action Fund engages in educational, advocacy and electoral activity, including grassroots organizing, legislative advocacy, and voter education.