HAP Statement – President Trump’s Executive Order to Ban Muslims
January 29, 2017
CONTACT: Dr. Mai Moua
Chief Operating Officer
(651) 495-1517
maim@hmong.org
HAP DENOUNCES TRUMP PRESIDENCY’S ANTI-MUSLIM BAN AND THE ANTI-REFUGEE AND IMMIGRANT RHETORIC OF HIS ADMINISTRATION
Saint Paul, MN – Hmong American Partnership (HAP) denounces the recent Executive Order by President Trump to ban the entry of Muslims and refugees into the United States. We understand that the safety and security of our nation and communities are imperative. However, this Executive Order does not reflect the values of our organization and the principles under which we were founded – a promise between cultures to lift up the human spirit. Our strength comes from the diversity of our communities, and our organization?s mission has been enriched because of the contributions of refugees and immigrants.
“We are not surprised by this President?s action because his campaign was filled with divisive and hateful speech,? remarked Bao Vang, HAP’s President & CEO. “We stand stronger today, united against the fear and hate that motivate this Administration’s actions. We will persevere in our resiliency and continue to be of service to all those who need our support – regardless of their status and documentation.”
HAP will not stand silent on Trump Administration policies that privileges one group over another. As a community-based organization whose history and legacy was founded by a partnership between refugees and Americans who believed that human rights are inherent to all – regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, sex, religion, language, and all other statuses, we will forge forward to champion the causes and bring forth the issues that matter the most to the communities and people we serve.
In these difficult times, we remain steadfast in our commitment to justice and freedom.
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HAP is a community development organization whose mission is to: empower the community to embrace the strengths of our cultures while achieving our potential. HAP provides critical services and support to more than 15,000 community members annually. For more information about HAP and its programs, please visit http://www.hmong.org.