Should Congress Wipe Out Trump’s Travel Ban? (H.R. 1503)

What is H.R. 1503?

(Updated July 27, 2021)

This bill — known as the Statue of Liberty Values Act 2.0 or SOLVE Act 2.0 — would void the executive order entitled “Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States” and prevent it from being implemented or enforced. It would prohibit federal funds from being used to prevent the restrictions on immigrants and travelers from the six countries (Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) specified in the order or additional limits on refugees from taking effect.

Argument in favor

Rather than waiting for the judicial system to decide its legality, Congress needs to ensure that President Trump’s travel ban never takes effect by voiding it.

Argument opposed

President Trump’s travel ban is well-intended and may still be found to be constitutional by the courts. Congress shouldn’t eliminate the executive order.

Impact

Travelers and immigrants from countries specified in the executive order; refugees; and the federal government.

Cost of H.R. 1503

A CBO cost estimate is unavailable.

Additional Info

In-Depth: Sponsoring Rep. Zoe Lofgren introduced an earlier version of this bill, the SOLVE Act, in response to Trump’s first travel ban. When Trump revised and reintroduced his executive order after it was the subject of still-pending legal challenges, Logren followed suit and drafted a new bill. The new executive order, which has been similarly held up by legal challenges, was condemned by Lofgren when it was signed:

“This revised order is no less a violation of the bedrock American principle of freedom of belief than the original. It remains un-American, unconstitutional, and puts our national security at risk… Fortunately, neither Donald Trump nor his Executive Orders are above the Constitution. I will continue fighting to preserve America’s commitment to freedom, humanitarian protection, and to safeguard our national security by defeating Trump’s un-American Muslim and refugee ban.”

The Trump administration has defended its executive orders as constitutional, saying accusations that the order discriminates against Muslims are false. The administration contends the order will enhance public safety by suspending travel from the six countries to ensure that terrorists aren’t exploiting the system to enter the country.

This legislation has the support of 175 cosponsors in the House, all of whom are Democrats.

Media:

• Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) Statement
  
• American Immigration Lawyers Association