The College Republicans and University Democrats collaborated to release a joint statement Tuesday, criticizing President Donald Trump’s recent immigration executive order.
Signed into law Jan. 27, the order — entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” — halts the admission of refugees and prevents citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the U.S.
Iraq, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen are the countries specifically named in the order.
The joint statement, released on both organizations’ Facebook pages, addressed the two organizations’ concerns over the ethical, humanitarian and legal aspects of the executive order.
“As students, we have seen first-hand how our international students add a necessary and valuable diversity of opinion which enriches the education of all at the University of Virginia,” the statement said. “Regardless of political ideology, protecting the values of the University and the nation, as well as our students and their access to a world-class education at the University, must be a priority.”
The statement also criticized the sudden change of refugee policy without an alternative plan.
“The vow to never again commit the negligence of World War II and the Holocaust is clearly broken when executive orders such as this one are enacted,” the statement said. “We, residents of Charlottesville, a city which hundreds of refugees call home, are particularly disheartened.”
The statement discussed the two organizations’ belief that the executive order will not fulfill its goal, and may lead to more difficulties combating global terror.
“While its intention was to weaken terrorist organizations, this ban will instead further complicate relations with the identified countries, as well as other Muslim-majority countries, and encourage Anti-American sentiment,” the statement said. “This executive action will make it more difficult to form coalitions with these nations in the future, a crucial component in our fight against the Islamic State and other terrorist organizations.”
Both organizations said they hope Trump will amend his recent executive order in light of widespread criticism.
“We again emphasize that a healthy debate on the best ways to protect our country is appropriate and necessary,” the statement said. “Such discussion will no doubt continue as we work toward solutions for these important issues in the following years. However, neither the College Republicans nor the University Democrats believe that President Trump’s recent executive order is the answer.”
Ali Hiestand, a third-year College student and chair of the College Republicans, said the two organizations worked together to write it Monday after the University Democrats asked for her organization’s support.
“I think they thought it was going to be more impactful if they had support from both sides of the aisle,” Hiestand said. “They were going to make a statement regardless. But having one that comes from groups with very different opinions on most issues shows that it’s that much of a no-brainer, I guess, that people are not supportive of this executive order in itself.”
While the University Democrats and College Republicans often hold events together — including an annual charity kickball game — Hiestand said the two organizations have been more interested in collaborating since the presidential election. Recently, members of the University Democrats attended a College Republicans meeting.
“Especially with the disconnection a lot of people felt with the election not going how they expected at all, they wanted to learn new perspectives,” Hiestand said. “So they’ve been really open to exploring different options and learning why people think [the way] they do, so I think we’re trying to bring that initiative about together.”
Hiestand said she believes the joint statement demonstrates the possibility of unity when political partisanship appears to be growing.
“I think it’s a positive step,” Hiestand said. “Not necessarily just for us as organizations but a good way to show there can be common agreement despite political differences in a time of increased partisanship.”
The University Democrats did not respond to a request for comment Tuesday afternoon.
Full statement below:
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