Houston mayor: White House should rethink immigration order

HOUSTON – Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he believes the White House needs to rethink a recent order that bans immigration from some countries.

The order, signed Friday by President Donald Trump, bars citizens from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Libya, Somalia and Sudan from entering the United States for 90 days. It also suspends the admission of Syrian refugees indefinitely and 120 days for all other refugees.

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The order sparked protests at airports across the country, including Bush International Airport.

Airport System director Mario Diaz said about 50 people protested at the airport Saturday and about 1,500 protested Sunday. He said all the protests were peaceful.

Turner and Houston police Chief Art Acevedo applauded protesters for their lawful gatherings and urged them to remain peaceful.

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“For those who may want to wreak havoc ... You will not be welcome here,” Acevedo said.

The presidents of the University of Houston, UH-Downtown and Rice University in separate statements expressed concern for their international students who may be affected by the executive orders on immigration and refugees.

But some local Republican leaders say the concerns and weekend protests at Bush Intercontinental Airport and Discovery Green are just a bunch of hype.

"It's not a Muslim ban, this is a lot of hysteria and outrage," said Harris County Republican Party Chair Paul Simpson.

Simpson believes the orders are about keeping the country safe.

"Refugees or bad guys or terrorists can get her through other countries, so it makes sense to identify those countries of the most concern," he said.

But Shireen Jasser, president of the Syrian - American Council, Houston chapter says the executive orders are discriminatory and go against American values.

"Syrian refugees have gone through years of extensive vetting. National security is of course everyone's priority, but I think what's happening is the door is slamming shut to a severe humanitarian crisis," Jasser said.

Turner reminded everyone that Houston police officers do not profile and are not Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

Acevedo said his department’s priority is the safety of people who live in and visit the Bayou City, which will host Super Bowl LI on Sunday.

The chief said his department has also contacted the city’s mosques and Islamic centers to assure them of his commitment to their safety.

Turner touted the city’s diversity and inclusiveness, reminding residents that he represents all Houstonians.

An Iraqi man traveling to Houston to visit his family was detained in New York. He was allowed to continue traveling after a federal judge issued a stay of the president’s order.

Some world leaders decried the order, while Australian leaders voiced their support.