Rep. Justin Amash: Trump's immigration order 'unlawful and troubling'

U.S. Rep. Justin Amash (R-MI) participates in a House Foreign Affairs Committee hearing about. the War Powers Act on May, 25, 2011 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Mark Wilson/Getty Images)

Congressman Justin Amash (R-MI) slammed President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration with passionate post to social media over the weekend. 

The congressman called Trump's action unlawful and troubling, not unlike President Obama's, he said. 

Recommended Videos



Here is his full post

Like President Obama's executive actions on immigration, President Trump's executive order overreaches and undermines our constitutional system. It's not lawful to ban immigrants on the basis of nationality. If the president wants to change immigration law, he must work with Congress.

The president's denial of entry to lawful permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) is particularly troubling. Green card holders live in the United States as our neighbors and serve in our Armed Forces. They deserve better.

I agree with the president that we must do much more to properly vet refugees, but a blanket ban represents an extreme approach not consistent with our nation's values. While the executive order allows the admittance of immigrants, nonimmigrants, and refugees "on a case-by-case basis," arbitrariness would violate the Rule of Law.
Ultimately, the executive order appears to be more about politics than safety. If the concern is radicalism and terrorism, then what about Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and others?

Finally, we can't effectively fight homegrown Islamic radicalism by perpetuating the “us vs. them” mindset that terrorists use to recruit. We must ensure that the United States remains dedicated to the Constitution, the Rule of Law, and liberty. It can't be stated strongly enough that capitalism creates prosperity and improves assimilation into society.

Sign up for ClickOnDetroit breaking news alerts and email newsletters

Search for a specific story: