We asked several students why they joined the protest against Trump’s executive order banning immigrants and refugees

BY SARAH BASSIL, STAFF WRITER

Why did you decide to join the protest against Trump’s executive order banning immigrants and refugees from certain countries?

“I helped organize this, not just because I am Syrian and have family still there, but more fundamentally because it violates basic human ethics and is part of a larger framework of power that marginalizes and oppresses communities across the globe.” -senior Mohammad Abou-Ghazala

“I came to show solidarity with those being hurt by Donald Trump and the Republicans, to help stop the injustice and in hopes that they’ll stand with me if and when I become the target.” – senior Josh Denty

“I came out today because I am a Muslim student from George Mason from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and I wanted to support my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters. Furthermore, my father who is Muslim and is not an American citizen is under the potential threat of not entering the country if Trump chooses to ban Pakistanis, which will prevent my father from coming to the US and being with his family.” -freshman Dania Laiq

“Although I personally am not affected by this executive order, or really any of them, I knew that this was an amoral decision that is rooted solely in hatred, bigotry and fear. As a somewhat decent human being, I couldn’t just stand by and let this happen without a fight.” -sophomore Conor Armstrong

“I am a first-generation Sudanese-American. One of the seven countries that are placed under the Muslim ban is my home country, Sudan. My entire extended family lives back home, so knowing that it will be difficult to see them for who knows how much longer deeply saddens me. My last living grandparent, my grandmother, used to come here to visit us on a green card. We never know when our time is coming, and now with Trump’s ban, my mom may never see her mother again.” -freshman Alaa Ali

“As a child of South African political refugees who moved to the US during their twenties for a chance at better educational opportunities, I find it unacceptable that the U.S. is restricting immigrants on the basis of religious discrimination… Attending this protest is my first step in standing up against this executive order and the bigotry that President Trump is promoting with his actions. ” -junior Dineo Moja