The United States has claimed to be an open, “melting pot” for many years. Americans claim to be part of a society that loves and embraces all cultures, but the harsh reality is that xenophobia and racism are issues that are still very relevant in today’s America.
Xenophobia is the hate or dislike for individuals that are not from your country. It has been on the rise in the wake of 9/11 as a response to Islamic Extremism and also in response to the growing fear of jobs lost due to arrival of immigrants. Although the xenophobia is a fear that is grounded, it is not one that is based on facts. It is a fear that is based on ignorance and one that is detrimental to the the american people, especially with Donald Trump in the presidency.
When Donald Trump was campaigning and proposing a travel ban on Muslim countries, I didn’t believe that he would do it. I also didn’t believe that his administration would allow him to craft a executive order that reeked of so much xenophobia. Nevertheless, this is the world we are living in and The Executive order has been signed. In Donald Trump’s first 100 days in the presidency, he has set out to fulfill of the promises that were staples in his campaign through executive orders.
The Executive Order entitled “Protection Of The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States” and dubbed the, “Muslim Ban” restricts people from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Libya, Yemen and Somalia attempting to enter the United States indefinitely. In addition to this, the US Refugees Admissions has been suspended for 120 days.
The Travel Ban is a shame to America’s Democracy but it is also a reflection of who Americans are now as a country. The progression in race relations that many people thought was made is slowly being unraveled by the Trump administration.