Thu Mar 06 17:28:11 UTC 2025: ## Congress Considers Bill to Curb Presidential Power to Issue Discriminatory Travel Bans
**Washington D.C.** – A new bill, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act, has been introduced in Congress to limit a president’s ability to enact discriminatory travel bans. The bill, sponsored by Representative Judy Chu and Senator Chris Coons, comes amid concerns that the current administration may reinstate travel restrictions similar to the controversial “Muslim ban” and “African ban” implemented during the Trump presidency.
The NO BAN Act aims to prevent future presidents from using broad executive powers to ban entry based on religion, nationality, or other discriminatory criteria. It would require any travel restrictions to be based on specific, credible evidence and demonstrably serve a compelling government interest. The bill also mandates congressional notification and briefings before such restrictions are implemented.
Supporters argue the bill is crucial to prevent a repeat of the previous administration’s actions, which led to widespread family separations, denial of visas for tens of thousands, and exacerbated anti-immigrant sentiment. One affected individual, Maral Tabrizi, described how the Muslim ban prevented her parents from witnessing the birth of their grandchild and resulted in significant emotional and physical distress. Her case highlights the lasting human cost of such policies.
Opponents of the bill have not yet publicly commented. However, the bill’s proponents contend that without such limitations, presidents will continue to abuse their power, potentially violating US immigration law, as some argue occurred under both the Trump and Biden administrations. The bill is currently under consideration by Congress.
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