Two of the nine Republicans in our state's U.S. House delegation now oppose President Trump's temporary refugee ban and restrictions on visas for some others.
Rep. Fred Upton: "A wiser course would have been to work with Congress."
Rep. Fred Upton, an 11-term congressman from St. Joseph, follows Rep. Justin Amash of Grand Rapids into the dissent column.
The presidential order does not "stay true to our values," Upton suggests in a statement posted Monday -- two days after Amash spoke out more forcefully. Upton adds:
This Executive Order needs to be scaled back. It has created real confusion for travelers and those who enforce the laws.
I have heard from a number of local folks with valid concerns for themselves or loved ones, as well from global companies that have legitimate worries relating to the international travel of their employees.
A wiser course would have been to work with Congress to ensure that all visitors to our nation are properly vetted with appropriate documentation. Moving forward, I will continue to advocate for common-sense, bipartisan policies that protect America but also stay true to our values.
In late 2015, Upton "openly rejected calls for a travel ban based on religion," his website says under the new policy position.
Michigan Radio posts a handy guide to how Michigan members of Congress stand on the White House executive order issued late last Friday, with links to statements by each.
-- Alan Stamm
