Arizona Reps. Trent Franks, Andy Biggs back President Trump’s immigration ban
Jan 30, 2017, 9:54 AM | Updated: Feb 23, 2017, 9:07 am
U.S. Rep. Trent Franks. (AP File Photo)
(AP File Photo)
PHOENIX — President Donald Trump’s executive order banning immigrants from seven Muslim countries has met resistance from his party, but U.S. Reps. Trent Franks and Andy Biggs of Arizona agreed with the extreme vetting process.
Franks, a Republican who represents metro Phoenix’s West Valley, said in a statement, “… Those who wish to do us harm or who despise the values which make us great will no longer be naively welcomed with open arms.”
My response to @POTUS Trump's EO on immigration –> https://t.co/04TezObDrW
— Rep. Trent Franks (@RepTrentFranks) January 30, 2017
Biggs, a Republican whose district includes a large swath of the East Valley, said in a statement, “This order is exactly what President Trump said he would do during the campaign, and he should be applauded for following through with his promises.
“The United States of America will always be a nation of and compassionate to immigrants, but we must ensure the safety of American citizens above all else.”
Those positive responses were in contrast to U.S. Sens. John McCain and Jeff Flake of Arizona, who each said the order was a mistake.
Trump signed the executive order Friday and before the weekend was over, protests had been staged at airports across the country.
The order affects travelers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen.
Franks noted that the executive order would create a “golden door” of welcome to refugees who share the country’s values.
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said the temporary policy had no bearing on green-card holders. He told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday for “green card holders going forward, it (the order) doesn’t affect them. If you are moving in and out of those seven countries, you will be subject to more questions.”
