Thompson Issues Statement on President's Executive Order

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Representative Glenn 'GT' Thompson (PA-05) today issued the following statement on President Donald J. Trump's travel ban:

“The first duty of the federal government is to ensure the safety of American residents and our families. We want to guarantee that each individual entering the U.S. is properly vetted, so we’re not importing possible terrorists or those who would support terrorism. We know that ISIS is attempting to infiltrate the West through refugee programs. This has happened in Europe already, and I believe the intent of this executive order was to strengthen the screening process.

“However, I am concerned an unintended consequence negatively impacted lawful residents, such as green card holders, and firmly believe they should be allowed to enter and exit the country under the law. If anything, we learned under the Obama Administration that the executive alone cannot run the country, the legislative branch must be involved in providing an adequate solution that respects the rule of law and our American ideals."