Congressman Matt Gaetz Applauds Supreme Court Decision to Uphold President Trump’s Travel Restriction

Washington, D.C. — Congressman Matt Gaetz (FL-01) today issued the following statement applauding the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to uphold President Donald Trump's travel restriction:

"Today's Supreme Court decision, upholding President Trump's travel restrictions, is a tremendous victory — both for the security of the United States and for the rule of law. Many of the countries on the "banned" list — Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen — are state sponsors of terrorism. Many are in such deep turmoil that it is nearly impossible for them to issue proper identifying documents, making it equally impossible for the United States to properly vet people from these locations.

Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that temporarily limited entry to the United States from high-risk countries. Activist judges immediately prevented it from going into effect. President Trump issued a second executive order in March 2017, which was once again stopped in court. I was shocked and dismayed that two sets of circuit court judges were willing to put America at risk because of political correctness, and vendettas against President Trump.

We must do whatever we can to keep our country as safe as possible, and to prevent future terror attacks. This temporary pause in travel and immigration from terror-prone countries gives America the much-needed opportunity to restructure our refugee program, and improve our ability to keep out the people who wish to do us harm. I am strongly opposed to the attempts to label this security precaution a ‘Muslim ban,' which is a cruel, disingenuous, and incorrect phrase. It is simply a pause, not a permanent ban, from high-risk countries, not against any religious group. I am glad that the Supreme Court upheld the law. Their ruling will help keep America safe," Rep. Gaetz said.

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