President Trump has begun his presidency doing exactly what he promised the American people he would do – defunding sanctuary cities, deporting criminal aliens and suspending the visa and refugee programs from seven countries that have been well-established as terrorist hot spots. These are the very actions that he campaigned on.

I support the president for delivering on his campaign pledge and taking decisive steps to put the safety and security of the American people first. For nearly two years, I have been pushing legislation that would do many of these same things, and I am glad we now have a president in the White House who has the courage to take action.

Americans spoke loud and clear last November and elected Donald Trump in an electoral landslide because he pledged to suspend these programs while his opponent was promising to increase them by up to 550 percent.

As elected officials, our sworn duty is to the safety and security of the American people. To put politics above one's duty is a dereliction of this oath of office, particularly when the lives of Americans are at stake.

It is important to understand that this is not a Muslim ban. The executive order only pertains to seven failed states identified by President Obama less than eleven months ago.

The authority of President Trump to make these orders is well established in law. In fact, President Obama cut off travel for Iraq in 2011 for these same exact reasons. The United States is under no obligation to accept anyone into the U.S. from foreign countries.

Since September 10, 2001, we have seen several thousand Americans murdered and hundreds more injured by terrorists who have exploited our visa and refugee programs. In spite of his own FBI director and DHS secretary telling him they could not properly vet these refugees, President Obama continued to double down on his plan of bringing in thousands of refugees from terrorist hotspots like Syria.

Sixteen years after the 9/11 attacks, many of the safeguards recommended by the 9/11 Commission have still not been implemented. The American people should applaud the fact that we have a president who has made one of these recommendations a priority.

As a compassionate nation, we can and should help refugees. In fact, we can help twelve refugees in safe zones near their home countries for the price of bringing just one refugee to the United States.

It is shameful – but not surprising – that liberal politicians and the media are spreading misinformation about the president's actions. I believe the majority of Americans understand the president is working to keep them safe. Most Americans agree that we can longer afford to put political correctness ahead of security.

That's why I reintroduced my two bills the Criminal Alien Deportation Enforcement Act (H.R. 82) and the Refugee Resettlement National Security Act (H.R. 80). Both these bills would accomplish much the same things as the president's executive orders. I believe they will only strengthen his actions by codifying it in law and preventing future weakening.

President Trump's executive orders are a breath of fresh air for millions of Americans. His commitment to putting the American people first provides a glimmer of hope for those who have lost faith in their government. President Trump was elected on the exact same agenda he is carrying out – and his actions will ultimately save many American lives.

Brian Babin represents Texas' 36th congressional district.

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