4: Executive Order 13769

Today we're talking to Alaa Alshaibani, a Tacoma local whose parents emigrated to the U.S. from Yemen. Alaa is involved in local politics and activism, and she is a member of the [Islamic Center of Tacoma](http://islamiccenteroftacoma.com/)). Join us as we talk about the travel ban enacted by President Trump, the Muslim communities in Tacoma and misconceptions about Muslim people in the United States.

**Executive Order 13769** - The travel ban was enacted on January 27th, 2017 and banned travelers from seven countries: Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. From that point the ban was blocked numerous times by federal judges and updated bans were announced by the Trump administration. [On June 26th, 2018 the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the Trump Administrations third iteration of the travel ban.](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/06/26/us/politics/supreme-court-trump-travel-ban.html) The way that the travel ban affects people varies by situation, Alaa mentions a few situations of families separated between the U.S. and Yemen and a friend under Temporary Protected Services (TPS) who is unsure if their TPS status will be renewed but is unable to work or hire legal representation to improve their case due to TPS requirements.

**Focus on Muslim countries** – While Venezuela and North Korea are among the seven countries in the ban, [the ban seems to overwhelmingly target Muslim communities.](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/07/01/world/americas/travel-ban-trump-how-it-works.html)This targeting, coupled with numerous remarks and tweets by President Trump against Muslim people and Islam, leaves no doubt in the bigotry behind the ban. The dynamically increasing hate directed towards Muslims in the U.S. and Islam has [motivated many Muslim Americans to run for office](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/10/30/opinion/election-muslim-candidates-politics.html) and become activists in their own communities.

**The ban and Tacoma** – The response to the travel ban has been immediate and bold. After the first travel ban was announced, hundreds of people rushed to SeaTac Airport to protest the unjust ban and to advocate for people stuck in limbo due to the ban’s sudden enactment. There have also been local marches and rallies (like YWCA’s Families Belong Together rally on June 30th, 2018) to bring together the community and connect with the Muslim community when many of us may not do this on a regular basis. Alaa shares that all are welcome to visit the Islamic Center of Tacoma, and that the Friday prayer session is a great time with a sermon and the incentive of food during that time.