The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today decried the Trump administration’s new “Muslim ban” guidelines as a violation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling, and promised to file legal challenges to the rules if implemented.

CAIR: Immigrant Advocates Brace for New Travel Ban, Criticize Rules on ‘Close’ Family Admissions:  http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-travel-ban-20170629-story.html  

Video: CAIR-SFBA Attorneys to Monitor ‘Muslim Ban’ Implementation at Airports: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y_EhSB8DSjg

[CAIR ACTION ALERT: Anyone who knows of individuals barred from entering the United States in violation of the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision is being asked to call CAIR’s Civil Rights Department at 202-742-6420 or email civilrights@cair.com.]

“By arbitrarily dividing American Muslims from their grandparents and other close relatives overseas, the Trump administration’s new rules violate the Supreme Court’s decision,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “These illogical rules must not stand, nor should any other part of the discriminatory and unconstitutional Muslim ban.”   

On Monday, the justices allowed the Trump administration to reinstate parts of the Muslim ban while the court considers whether the executive order is constitutional. The ruling authorized immigration officials to deny new visa applications submitted by foreign nationals who lack a credible claim of a “close” and “bona fide” relationship with individuals or entities in the United States.  

Media reports indicate that only spouses, siblings and parents constitute close familial relationships, specifically excluding grandparents, cousins and other relatives.  

“We call on the Trump administration to withdraw these irrational guidelines, as well as the entire Muslim ban. We can protect our nation without harming its values or reputation,” said CAIR National Litigation Director Lena Masri. “We will not hesitate to file a legal challenge to any violations of the court’s decision.”  

Earlier this week, CAIR said the decision by the U.S. Supreme Court allowing a limited version of the Trump administration’s Muslim ban executive orders to take effect ignores the Islamophobic origins of the policy and emboldens Islamophobes in the Trump administration.  

SEE: CAIR Says SCOTUS ‘Muslim Ban’ Decision Ignores Anti-Muslim Bigotry, Emboldens Islamophobes in Trump Administration : http://www.cair.com/press-center/press-releases/14430-cair-says-scotus-muslim-ban-decision-ignores-anti-muslim-bigotry-emboldens-islamophobes-in-trump-administration.html

CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.