×

Locals protest immigration ban

MEGAN BLOOM/Sun-Gazette About 150 local people gathered together to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban travel for refugees, migrants and foreign nationals from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya on Sunday afternoon at the U.S. Middle District Courthouse, 240 W. Third St.

With less than a 24-hour notice, about 150 local people gathered on Sunday to protest President Donald Trump’s executive order to ban refugees, migrants and foreign nationals from seven Muslim-majority countries from entering America.

The afternoon protesters stood outside the U.S. Middle District Courthouse, 240 W. Third St., with signs against the travel ban and people speaking to the crowd about how they believe the executive order is wrong.

“What Trump is doing is not constitutional, it does not represent me and I’m an American,” Maryem Ali, of Williamsport, said. “I was born in America and I’m Muslim.”

There is a large population of Muslim-Americans across the nation who feel attacked by banning people from Muslim-majority countries such as Somalia, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Syria, Libya and Sudan, she

said.

Besides speaking her mind at the protest, Ali plans to call local legislators and to continue to be a good person.

“I want to continue to be a positive example of a Muslim person,” she said.

The Rev. Sam Hwang, of First Presbyterian Church, told his friends via Facebook on Saturday he wanted to do something to make a stand against the ban. Those friends told their friends and the word spread rapidly.

Hwang said he was not expecting more than 30 or 40 people to show up so when he saw dozens of people show up, he was surprised but glad they came.

“As a pastor and Christian, I couldn’t sit back and watch this on TV,” he said. “This is such an important issue.”

Sere Altebrando, of Montoursville, heard about the protest and wanted to join because she does not believe in Islamophobia or xenophobia. She said the protest is a great start to lift the ban.

“We have to speak up in Trump’s America,” Altebrando said. “The ban is unconstitutional and un-American. These are people’s lives at stake.”

Sarah Logue, of Williamsport, said, due to the ban, she fears for the safety of her friends who have immigrated from those countries and who might have to go back to their home countries.

Hearing about the ban offended her and made her want to take action by attending the protest.

“This ban goes against everything we stand for — peace, love and acceptance,” she said.

Hwang said he hopes more protests are not necessary in the future.

“If this ridiculous policy continues, I don’t think we have a choice but to speak for the people to hear,” he said.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

COMMENTS

[vivafbcomment]

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today