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Where your elected officials stand on Trump's controversial immigration executive order

Posted at 2:18 PM, Jan 30, 2017
and last updated 2017-01-31 16:06:07-05

DENVER — Protesters organized in throngs nationwide for the second time since President Donald Trump's inauguration, this time speaking against an executive order signed on Friday limiting travel to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority nations and suspending all refugee admissions. 

The travel ban is set to last for 90 days, and the refugee ban is set to last 120 days, according to the order, signed on Friday and published on the White House website

In Denver, protesters again took to an organized forum to voice concern over President Trump's action. Organizers brought hundreds to the Denver International Airport to voice support for those attempting to move through, or into, the nation. 

Their voices echoed across the nation, where dozens of similar protests were carried out. 

In Colorado, elected officials took to various platforms to represent their constituents. All but one of Colorado's elected officials in Congress spoke publicly since Trump signed the controversial executive order. 

Jared Polis, D-CO 2nd District, quoted Emma Lazarus, whose famous words are associated with the Statue of Liberty. 

"Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free," Polis quoted. 

Polis went on to warn against nationalism, and the closing of America's borders. 

"USA was there for my family fleeing eastern European pograms in 1905, I will do my best to ensure that we are here for the next generation," Polis wrote. 

Michael Coffman, R-CO 6th District, distanced himself from the leaders of his party. 

"While I've supported heightened vetting procedures, I have never, nor will I ever support a blanket travel ban for people solely based on ethnic or religious grounds," Coffman wrote. 

Coffman wrote he spent his weekend visiting his communities and interacting with constituents across his district. 

Diana DeGette, D-CO 1st District, quickly took a stance opposing the executive action, using a photo of Donald Trump in a Tweet. 

"(Trump's) refugee ban is discriminatory, hurts asylum seekers worldwide (and) thwarts our progress countering violent extremism," DeGette wrote. "It's just wrong." 

Scott Tipton, R-CO 3rd District, released a calculated statement on the order, expressing some concern for immigrants who have visas or green cards. 

"Individuals who have already been vetted and granted visas or permanent resident status should not be impacted by the executive order, and putting them under the umbrella of this order's reach — no matter where they come from — will further damage an already-flawed immigration system," Tipton wrote. 

Tipton did voice his support for the action, otherwise. 

"I support strong security vetting for anyone who wishes to enter the United States, regardless of their faith, so a temporary halt on accepting new immigrants and refugees from certain countries that are known hotbeds for terrorism while we strengthen our screening procedures is a reasonable action," Tipton wrote. 

In his statement, he asked for clarity in the executive order. 

Ken Buck, R-CO 4th District, released a statement late Monday in support of Trump's actions.

"Our country has always offered hope for the oppressed and homeless, but hope also requires safety and security. We should not let people into this country unless we can thoroughly vet them," Buck said. 

Buck's office said America welcomes Muslim worshippers from 190 countries, but is temporarily banning all individuals from just seven of them. 

"The President's executive order is a temporary effort that addresses a serious issue with terrorist hot spots," Buck said. 

Ed Perlmutter, D-CO 7th District, took a stand against the immigration and refugee bans, calling them a Muslim ban. 

"(Muslim Ban) is extreme (and) conflicts with America's values. I will continue fighting for inclusiveness. Thank you to everyone protesting!" Perlmutter said. 

Doug Lamborn, R-CO 5th District, wrote a calculated statement of support on the executive order a day after Trump signed it. 

"By taking steps to temporarily stop refugee admittance from nations that are hotbeds of terrorist activity, the President is taking prudent action to ensure that his national security and law enforcement teams have the strategies and systems in place that they will need to protect and defend America," Lamborn wrote. 

He did take steps away from the executive order by calling for the protection of freedoms for "law-abiding Green Card holders." 

Senator Cory Gardner, R-CO, commented to outlets, but not on social media, when asked about the ban. 

The ban "goes too far," Gardner told The Denver Post. He asked the White House to fix an "overly broad" executive order. 

Senator Michael Bennet, D-CO, explained his family came to the U.S. after World War II and were afforded the opportunity to rebuild their lives. 

"(President Trump) should rescind (the executive order). If not, Congress must stand together, override (the executive order) to end ban (and) work to make U.S. safer, consistent with our values," Bennet wrote. 

Governor John Hickenlooper also commented on the order on Monday, taking a stand against it.

"The vast majority of refugees admitted to the United States are families, mainly comprised of women and children, and all refugees are admitted only after they make it through the world's toughest vetting program. Many of the refugees helped US forces, often in violent and chaotic circumstances, risking their lives in the process," Hickenlooper wrote.

Hickenlooper went on to call the executive order a "powerful recruiting tool" for America's enemies.  


In order to contact your representative in the House of Representatives, click here. To find your U.S. Senator, click here. 

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