Hanna Issues Statement On Calls To Ban Muslims From Traveling To U.S.

A local legislator is speaking out against comments made about Muslim immigration by the current GOP front-runner in the 2016 presidential race.

U.S. Representative Richard Hanna has released the following statement in response to Donald Trump's call to ban Muslims from traveling to the United States:

“Donald Trump’s call to ban Muslims from entering the United States of America is un-American, ill-advised, dangerous and shows a profound lack of understanding of the U.S. Constitution. Such a divisive suggestion has no place in our national dialogue.

“The terrorist threat is real, which is why I support taking extra precautions and reforming the Visa Waiver Program to prevent terrorists from exploiting our immigration laws to enter the United States. The House today will vote on a bill that will do just that and ensure that any individuals who have traveled to areas with terrorist activity receive additional scrutiny before being allowed into the country.

“In addition, the bill requires participating countries to bolster their own screening methods by mandating checks against Interpol databases, requiring the use of fraud-resistant passports and sharing intelligence information with the United States, or be disqualified from participating in the Visa Waiver Program.

“I also supported a measure in the House last month to halt the admission of refugees from Syria and Iraq until the FBI, Department of Homeland Security and the Director of National Intelligence certify that they do not pose a threat to our national security.”