The controversy surrounding the Trump administration continued with the executive order temporarily banning travel from seven Muslim-majority countries. Proponents claim this is a necessary move (and a follow-through on a Trump campaign promise) to increase US security (America first!) and, anyways, it is just temporary. I disagree with this executive order because it seems both unnecessary and counterproductive.
Unnecessary and Counterproductive
How does banning travel for those from these countries make the US safer? As many have noted, nobody from these seven countries has performed a terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. It's not like people from these countries have just been waltzing into the US. Refugees face a complex and stringent vetting process in order to be able to enter the US. By shutting down travel from these countries, the US is seemingly handing Islamic terrorists group another propaganda gift.. As this story is covered globally, how easy must it be for ISIS and other groups to use it as "proof" that the US rejects Muslims. To be clear, I don't think this executive order necessarily means that the Trump administration is rejecting Muslims but I think it is imperative to think of all consequences of these actions and this is one of them.
In my opinion, if the US is concerned about making the US safe, particularly regarding who is coming into our country, it would be a good time to be appreciating and strengthening our relationships with Mexico and Canada. The effort, strength and cooperation of these countries helps to create the stable regional environment that the US lives in and one that almost any country would trade for.
With many campaign promises checked off in high profile manners, I hope to see the Trump administration think more long-term and strategically in these types of issues moving forward.
Unnecessary and Counterproductive
How does banning travel for those from these countries make the US safer? As many have noted, nobody from these seven countries has performed a terrorist attack in the US since 9/11. It's not like people from these countries have just been waltzing into the US. Refugees face a complex and stringent vetting process in order to be able to enter the US. By shutting down travel from these countries, the US is seemingly handing Islamic terrorists group another propaganda gift.. As this story is covered globally, how easy must it be for ISIS and other groups to use it as "proof" that the US rejects Muslims. To be clear, I don't think this executive order necessarily means that the Trump administration is rejecting Muslims but I think it is imperative to think of all consequences of these actions and this is one of them.
In my opinion, if the US is concerned about making the US safe, particularly regarding who is coming into our country, it would be a good time to be appreciating and strengthening our relationships with Mexico and Canada. The effort, strength and cooperation of these countries helps to create the stable regional environment that the US lives in and one that almost any country would trade for.
With many campaign promises checked off in high profile manners, I hope to see the Trump administration think more long-term and strategically in these types of issues moving forward.
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