Representative Andy Harris says he supports President Donald Trump’s suspension of the refugee program and the imposition of a travel ban on immigrants coming from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
In a statement issued by his office the Eastern Shore Republican said that the temporary ban would better protect national security.
He noted that these seven countries were marked for higher scrutiny by the Obama administration.
Harris also applauded the decision to give preference to religious minorities fleeing persecution.
He said this would apply to any minorities be they Christian or Muslim.
Critics have noted that these are predominantly Islamic countries and that the President’s executive order does not mention Muslims or any group by name.
In addition, the president indicated that he would favor Christian refugees during a television interview.
The countries included in the executive order are Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen.
