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Following a Supreme Court ruling allowing part of President Trump’s March 6th travel ban executive order to go into effect, FCNL Lobbyist for Human Rights and Civil Liberties Yasmine Taeb organized a rally outside the Supreme Court in opposition to the Court’s decision.

Yasmine Taeb speaks from behind a podium
FCNL Yasmine Taeb addresses the crowd at the rally

The protest, organized by Taeb with support from Amnesty International USA, Church World Service, MoveOn, the American Civil Liberties Union, and more than a dozen other organizations, drew a sizable crowd.

“We are disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision today, which would put into effect parts of this administration’s unconstitutional and unconscionable Muslim and refugee ban,” Taeb said in her opening remarks. “Trump’s Muslim and refugee executive orders violate our core values of religious liberty and runs counter to American values. These executive orders are unconstitutional, reprehensible, and immoral.”

“The United States was built by immigrants and refugees; we have a strong, treasured tradition of welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution,” Taeb said.

“It’s a tradition my own family and I benefited from,” she continued, explaining that she herself fled Iran during the Iran-Iraq War and was welcomed in America.

In conclusion, Taeb noted that the struggle is far from over, but that she trusts advocates will remain strong. “As we’ve said over and over again, we will be here every single day if need be to protest these discriminatory and unconstitutional, unacceptable policies,” she said.

Yasmine Taeb

Yasmine Taeb

Legislative Director for Human Rights and Civil Liberties

Yasmine directs FCNL’s work on a number of human rights and civil liberties issues, including lobbying for increased resettlement of refugees, more transparency and oversight of the U.S. lethal drones program, calling for the closure of Guantanamo, and for the repeal of the 2001 AUMF, among other issues.

Rebecca Harris

Rebecca Harris

Program Assistant for Human Rights and Civil Liberties

Rebecca Harris works closely with Legislative Representative Yasmine Taeb on issues including the Syrian refugee situation, the United States’ “War on Terror,” military use of lethal drones, and the closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay. As Program Assistant, she conducts research, meets with congressional staff, and drafts letters and other materials.