Politicians are a species which is said to possess a pivotal incongruity between what is spoken and what is done. The governance of nations is criticised when the leaders fail to deliver their share of promises when the battle of votes is won; to the extent, the very idea of following-up policies after election seems almost ludicrous. But, the newly elected Honourable President of the United States has defied the majority of precedents by sticking to and staying true to the stream of actions which would be undertaken by the Obama-successor. For, the unfurling of impregnable walls and population bans has set the ball in motion for the term of the newly elected leader of the US.
After the Inauguration Day, President Trump (sigh) signed a series of Executive Orders to begin his term (or rule.) The one order which managed to stun the world collectively was the ‘temporary block on immigrants from Seven-Muslim majority countries.’ However, as the Trump administration refutes, it is not a Muslim ban. The order merely constitutes imposing a 90-day ban for residents of Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen along with the prevention of refugees from entering the country for 120 days. But, the terminology of ‘Muslim Ban’ doesn’t seem to be applicable here, especially when the order was signed on the Holocaust Remembrance Day, does it?
With the world collectively condemning the harsh step taken by one of the leading countries, gestures of opposition have been taken by different sects. Here’s how the strength of unity is endeavouring to make a difference!
United Nations
At a time, which calls for compassion and lending support, a time which has been torn by the ravages of war, the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) and International Organisation for Migration urged the administration to continue offering asylum to refugees and people affected by the goriness of war. A joint statement was issued by the two agencies, commenting that “The longstanding US policy of welcoming refugees has created a win-win situation: it has saved the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in the world who have in turn enriched and strengthened their new societies.” A reversal of such a move would result in the loss of lives of hundreds and thousands of people fleeing war.
Global Leaders
The wave of reprove over the immigration ban was reverberated by the political leaders all across the world, preaching the arguments of humanity and kindness. Nations have released various statements regarding the necessity of accepting refugees and propagating the values of unity and kindness. Former President Obama, issued a statement through his spokesperson, saying, “The President fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion.” The German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, further highlighted the notions of the Geneva Conventions and the colossal importance of accepting refugees on humanitarian grounds. The political scales have been lifted comically with the release of country-specific videos, mockingly claiming their nations as the ‘second best’ in typical Trump vernacular!
Business-sector
A show of solidarity was poured by the business arena of the country, with leading companies like Apple, Mircrosoft, Google, Facebook, Uber writing a joint letter to oppose the travel ban on immigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries. Moreover, the global coffee retailer, Starbucks’ announcement regarding the hiring of 10,000 refugees came as a bridge of harmony. They would focus on hiring immigrants “who have served with U.S. troops as interpreters and support personnel,” thus, seeking to protect those who branched out to help them. The ideals of global integration and humanity endeavour to be restored in the midst of an order aiming to isolate a ravaged community.
Entertainment
The world of art and entertainment isn’t fair behind in demonstrating their despair. Producers like Joss Whedon, Dan Harmon, and Danny Zuker and other took part in a protest at LAX, along with a unified platform for speaking at the SAG Awards in January. With an outrage on social media platforms and members of Hollywood expressing their bafflement over the move, the cry is coming from far and wide. This was further reverberated by the brilliant Ellen DeGeneres, who on her show drew the compelling analogy between Dory’s world and that of today.
Image Credits: ABC
Saumya Kalia
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