NY politicians speak out on Trump immigration order

Here's a roundup of reaction from local elected state and federal officials regarding President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration, issued Friday, and its aftermath:

Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring, on Sunday:

“If the President wants to keep out dangerous terrorists, I’m all for it, but shutting out people for their faith and guys who risked their lives fighting with us in Iraq is clumsy and stupid and shows Trump is just winging it. You don’t need to hurt innocent people to keep us safe. "

Congressman Eliot Engel, D-Bronx, late Saturday:

"It's blatantly wrong for the United States of America to callously tell thousands of people who played by the rules, went through a very long process, and were ultimately approved for entry into this country that they now must turn back, just as they reach American soil. It's cruel, it's heartless, and it's un-American. Judge Donnelly did the right thing tonight by slamming the brakes on President Trump's Muslim ban. As much as yesterday was a historic betrayal of our values, today's show of protest all across the country has reminded us to an even greater degree what it really means to be American. As I said today at a protest rally on immigration in Hastings and at an organizing meeting in Yonkers, we must continue to stand-up for those true American values.”

THE BASICS: Trump’s executive order on refugees

IMMIGRATION ORDER: 'There’s chaos out there,' NY attorney general says

HOTLINE: Cuomo, AG pledge help to immigrants affected by Trump ban

Engel on Friday:

“This is a profoundly dark day for our country.

“In 1939, when Jewish refugees aboard the ship St. Louis could look ashore and see the lights of Miami, they thought the United States would be their salvation. But the power of fear and cowardice prevailed, sending those poor souls back across the ocean, many to their deaths. That moment is a stain on our country's history, and one that ran contrary to America's best values and traditions.

“Today, fear and cowardice are winning again. President Trump is slamming the door on the world's most desperate refugees, whose eyes are gazing upon our shores today, seeking the promise of America that has illuminated the world for more than two centuries. He's building a wall and banning a religion, actions that won't keep us any safer, but will send a message that if you aren't a certain color, or don't speak a certain language or worship a certain way, you don't have a place in America. He's turning America's back on children who made a dangerous journey to escape violence and poverty, telling the huddled masses to find refuge elsewhere.

“In our best moments, America has been synonymous with freedom, hope, justice, and opportunity. That's not the America the world sees today.

“When Ronald Reagan likened America to a shining city upon a hill, he envisioned a place ‘teeming with people of all kinds living in harmony and peace.’ Our beacon shines dimmer today, and I fear we've lost our way. We need to get off this dangerous course and restore the values that make us who we are as a nation.”

REACTION: Residents rally against Trump's immigration orders

SLEEPY HOLLOW: Crowd rallies against immigration ban

AIRPORT: Westchester residents join JFK Airport immigration ban protest

New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, on Sunday, in a joint statement with 15 other state attorneys general:

“As the chief legal officers for over 130 million Americans and foreign residents of our states, we condemn President Trump's unconstitutional, un-American and unlawful Executive Order and will work together to ensure the federal government obeys the Constitution, respects our history as a nation of immigrants, and does not unlawfully target anyone because of their national origin or faith.

Religious liberty has been, and always will be, a bedrock principle of our country and no president can change that truth.

Yesterday, multiple federal courts ordered a stay of the Administration’s dangerous Executive Order. We applaud those decisions and will use all of the tools of our offices to fight this unconstitutional order and preserve our nation’s national security and core values.

We are confident that the Executive Order will ultimately be struck down by the courts. In the meantime, we are committed to working to ensure that as few people as possible suffer from the chaotic situation that it has created.”

Schneiderman, after the judge's stay Saturday night:

"I applaud the stay ordered by Judge Donnelly of the Eastern District of New York regarding President Trump's dangerous and discriminatory executive action.

"Let me be clear: President Trump's executive action is unconstitutional and in clear violation of federal law, including both the Establishment Clause and the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965. I will do everything within my power to help lead the fight to permanently strike it down.

"I will not allow voiceless refugees, and all those targeted by this reckless action, to be victimized by an unlawful, unconstitutional, and fundamentally un-American decree from the President."

Schneiderman, earlier on Saturday:

"I will do everything in my power to help those who have been victimized by President Trump's discriminatory and dangerous executive action.

"My staff has been in contact with lawyers for the detained refugees at JFK Airport and I have directed attorneys in my office to provide whatever legal assistance possible to them.

"President Trump's executive action against war refugees represents a new low in modern American foreign policy and it is incumbent on us to fight back.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo, a Democrat, on Saturday:

“I never thought I'd see the day when refugees, who have fled war-torn countries in search of a better life, would be turned away at our doorstep. We are a nation of bridges, not walls, and a great many of us still believe in the words 'give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses...'

"This is not who we are, and not who we should be.

"I have directed the Port Authority, the Department of State, and my Counsel's Office to jointly explore all legal options to assist anyone detained at New York airports, and ensure that their rights are protected.

"America is a nation of laws and those laws provide rights that must be respected and followed regardless of political ideology."

Cuomo on Sunday also announced he was setting up a toll free, 24-hour/day hotline at 1-888-769-7243 to assist people with travel issues related to the immigration order, saying, “As New Yorkers who live in the shadow of the Statue of Liberty, we welcome new immigrants as a source of energy and celebrate them as a source of revitalization for our state. We will ensure New York remains a beacon of hope and opportunity and will work to protect the rights of those seeking refuge in our state."

Congresswoman Nita Lowey, D-Harrison, on Saturday:

"For more than 200 years, the United States has been a haven and symbol of hope for people around the world fleeing persecution, violence, and unspeakable horror. Our Statue of Liberty proudly proclaims, 'Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses.' Yet, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day, President Trump enacted an unconstitutional executive order banning people of a particular religion from entering the United States.



"We already have strict security vetting requirements for refugees, and the President's order will not make us safer. In fact, our enemies will use President Trump's directive for propaganda and recruitment, bolstering their efforts to damage America's global stature and endanger the lives of US citizens at home and abroad. Even Republicans, including Vice President Pence, former Vice President Cheney, and Speaker Ryan, have criticized religious tests for entering our country.



"Our community in New York's 17th Congressional District has been directly affected by the President's outrageous order to detain refugees. I call on Customs and Border Patrol and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to release those held at airports who have already cleared security vetting procedures and to immediately give more information to their attorneys and families. Engendering fear among people who have already suffered so much and depriving them of their families is simply wrong and doesn't help keep us safe.



"Our nation's most powerful foreign policy tool is our moral leadership. President Trump's action does not live up to America's core values of equality and religious freedom, and he must rescind his executive order immediately."

Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., on Saturday (via Facebook):

"Tears are running down the cheeks of the Statue of Liberty as a grand tradition of America, welcoming immigrants, that has existed since America was founded has been stomped upon.

Taking in immigrants and refugees is not only humanitarian but has also boosted our economy and created jobs decade after decade. This is one of the most backward and nasty executive orders that the president has issued."

Schumer also on Saturday (via Facebook):

"This afternoon, I called Secretary Kelly to urge the administration to rescind these anti-American executive actions that will do absolutely nothing to improve our safety. In fact, they will do the opposite. We have a long and proud tradition of accepting refugees who seek safety in the United States, after a long and thorough vetting process. That tradition should continue.

These executive orders were mean-spirited and un-American in their origin, and implemented in a way that has caused chaos and confusion across the country. They will only serve to embolden and inspire those around the globe who would do us harm. They must be reversed, immediately."

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., on Friday:

“I repeatedly urged the last administration to do more to confront the growing humanitarian crisis in Syria and accept more refugee families. But President Trump’s actions on immigration and refugees fly in the face of our New York values and the foundation on which this country was built. Our diversity is what makes New York strong and our willingness to accept those in need who are fleeing some of the most dangerous and violent places on earth is what the Statue of Liberty represents. Our willingness to take in refugees is not only the right thing to do, but it also helps make our country safer from terrorist threats and shows millions around the globe that America cares for children and families facing strife and persecution. I will continue to stand with immigrant and refugee families and I will fight in the Senate to protect them.”