Columbia Standard

In a recent speech on the Senate floor, U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin criticized executive actions taken by President Donald Trump during his first week in office. These actions include measures targeting immigrant communities, suspending refugee resettlement, and attempting to deny citizenship to U.S.-born children.

Durbin stated, "We can all agree that the border of the United States should be secure. And, of course, we must deport any dangerous individuals who are here unlawfully. But the executive orders that President Trump signed this past week don’t target criminals." He further noted that President Trump had ended a policy from the Biden administration which prioritized arresting and deporting individuals who posed threats to public safety or national security.

According to Durbin, President Trump's directives have authorized Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to make arrests in schools, churches, and courthouses nationwide. "The President has reportedly even directed ICE to set quotas for arrests," he said.

Durbin also addressed the suspension of the refugee admissions program, which affects those fleeing oppressive regimes worldwide. He highlighted its impact on Afghan allies who assisted American troops: "Men and women risked their lives to step forward and help our troops... they included families of Afghans who are now facing persecution."

Additionally, Durbin criticized Trump's attempt to deny birthright citizenship for children born in the U.S. if their parents are not citizens or lawful permanent residents. He described this move as unconstitutional: "This is a clear violation of the Constitution."

Durbin expressed concern over mass deportation raids in Chicago conducted by ICE agents under Trump's administration. He emphasized that 90 percent of undocumented immigrants have no criminal convictions.

Concluding his remarks, Durbin stated, "There is no room in this country for dangerous people, but there is plenty of room for those who aspire to make this a better nation."