Washington, Jan 15 || Senior Democrats sharply criticised the Trump administration after it moved to halt immigrant visa processing for applicants from 75 countries, calling the decision discriminatory, harmful to families, and damaging to US economic and moral standing.
Sen. Edward J. Markey of Massachusetts said the State Department’s decision to stop processing immigrant visas amounted to a sweeping ban that would separate families and hurt states that depend on immigrants for education and economic growth.
“The State Department’s cruel decision to ban immigrant visa applicants from 75 countries is an economic, moral, and security failure,” Markey said in a statement.
He said the move would affect families in Massachusetts and across the country, harm universities and businesses that rely on international students and workers, and undermine the United States’ image as a destination for immigrants.
Markey urged the State Department to reverse the decision and resume visa processing.
Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin of Illinois delivered a broader condemnation on the Senate floor, accusing the administration of effectively shutting down legal immigration under the pretext of targeting security threats.