Trump put a visa ban on 7 Muslim dominated countries which are Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Sudan and Lybia. Priority will be given to the minority faiths constituents of these countries. We can all agree that family dynamics are VERY complex. Some families have Jews, Christians, Muslims, Seculars, and non-denominational members in their mix and this visa ban will split families, friends, and relatives. A religious test is not acceptable. It’s favoritism, un-American, it and goes against the inherent values of the country.

Even the poem inscribed on The Statue of Liberty states:

“Give me your tired, your poor,

Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,

The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.

Send these, the homeless, tempest-tossed to me,

I lift my lamp beside the golden door!”

Tump’s supporters are going to great length to defend his actions and even claim it’s not a Muslim ban. The denying game can go on but deep down we all know what it is about. It’s a Muslim ban period. From Trump’s actions, we can infer several things. One of which is that he doesn’t know the US history well perhaps. The origin of USA inhabitants is so broad and even surprising at times. In fact, many prominent and successful US figures were originally immigrants or descendants from the very countries he put a visa ban on. These people made and make America great again and again. America thrives on their contributions and inventions.

So check out these US prominent figures we gathered for you.

THE LATE STEVE JOBS

Co-founder of Apple Inc, Jobs’ father Abdulfattah Jandali was a Syrian immigrant. Nowadays, Apple is a multi-billion revenue worldwide company. Every year, Apple fans impatiently await the latest model of phones and electronics. They even stay in line for hours just to acquire to acquire them. Wouldn’t you say, it would have somewhat different for Apple users if Jobs’ father hadn’t emigrated from Syria?

HAMDI ULUKAYA

Of Turkish citizenship, Ulukaya’s company, Chobani is the most popular Greek yogurt brand in America! Valued at about $2 billion, Chobani fly off the shelf. I know because my sister buys them on a regular basis. She loves the packaging and the different flavors.

To continue, Hamdi Ulukaya is the CEO and owner of Chobani. He is also very generous because on top of paying his employees, he also gives them extra benefits. Read more on the philanthropist here because this is what I call making America great; spreading goodness.

ABDULLAH HAMMOUD

Hammoud is a Democrat and the first Arab American Muslim to win a seat in the State House of Representatives in Dearborn, Michigan. Congress is composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. While there are only 100 senators, 2 per state, there are 435 House of Representatives and the population of each state plays in the number of these representatives. Dearborn, Michigan being a state with a high numbers of Muslims, it’s groundbreaking and amazing that the citizens in that state now have a voice via his election. Kudos to him!

TARIQ FARID

Founder and CEO of Edible Arrangements, Farid is a Pakistani immigrant who became naturalized in 1986. Edible Arrangements are crafty fresh fruits arrangements. Recipients of his invention get a bouquet of fresh fruits. He started his business in 1999 with a $5,000 investment and today his company beloved by foodies worldwide is estimated at $480 million. You can read more on him here.

SADIA FARUQI

Faruqi is a Pakistani-American Muslim author of the acclaimed short story collection “ Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan”. Born in Karachi, Pakistan she is also an interfaith activist who trains a wide group of people including police personnel on Cultural Sensitivity. Her efforts are have been lauded and we definitely need more people like her especially in these times. She lives in Houston, Texas with her family.

FAYEZ SAROFIM

Also having ties with Texas, Sarofim is a co-owner of the NFL's Houston Texans. Originally from Egypt, he became a US citizen in 1961. He is a wealthy fund manager from aristocratic roots. To end here, American football would have been different without his contribution.

PAULA ABDUL

Abdul is a singer and a dancer but she became well known after American Idol first aired. The show was copied all around the world. Paula Abdul is of Syrian descent from her father side. Syria contributes again to American entertainement.

SHAHID KHAN

Owner of the NFL Jacksonville Jaguars, Khan emigrated from Pakistan when he was 16 years old and did a lot of small jobs before making it to the top, Today, the billionaire contributes to America’s number one sport too; American Football. The NFL generates a lot of revenue and is a favorite pass time for a great American majority.

Above all, this ban needs to be overturned because it will impact America in all domains as we’ve seen above. It’s also imperative that we don’t fall in the traps of division. Some citizens of Saudi Arabia had something to do with 09/11 but there was no ban on the country. We shouldn’t point that out because it will create a divided ummah and that’s the goals of the enemies of justice and Islam. Let’s put our differences aside and stay a united front. #NoMuslimBan !

Written 02/03/2017