A protest was held in Chicago Wednesday over concerns on the potential of a second travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump’s administration. The State Department has compiled a draft list of countries that may face restrictions if the proposed ban is implemented.
According to reports, foreigners traveling from these countries, including Afghanistan, Cuba, and Venezuela, may be prevented from entering the United States. Immigration advocates are speaking out against what could be the second potential travel ban by the Trump administration.
“We’re coming out not only to say we reject it, but committed to fighting against it,” said Muhammad Sankari of Arab American Action Network. “As a child of an immigrant, I feel like this is personal. Our communities are being told a message that we are not welcomed here.”
The proposed ban would be divided into three tiers, with nearly a dozen countries flagged as “red” – places where foreign travelers may be fully banned from entering the US.
Chicago travel agent Mohammad Neaz said the potential ban would have a significant impact on his business. “Anything like this kind of thing happens, we’re the first ones to get hit. And, obviously, this means less travel and less business for us.”
The first travel ban imposed by Trump in 2017 set off nationwide protests at airports, including in Chicago. National security expert Tom Mockaitis said there was no ideological agenda behind the previous ban and that current concerns focus on authoritarian countries or those with ties to terrorism.
However, the White House has not commented on a potential travel ban, and its implementation remains unclear.
Source: https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-protest-immigration-advocates-rally-loop-possible-travel-ban-president-donald-trump-administration/16087244