As the Port of Seattle’s Commission, we work to advance trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in the most equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner possible. The Port of Seattle is committed to making Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and all our facilities places that uphold civil rights, justice, and dignity.
The Trump Administration’s travel ban extension to 39 total countries is yet another example of a flawed immigration policy approach that we believe runs counter to our purpose of serving as a welcoming gateway for people around the world.
This Administration has continued to enact a series of immigration policy changes — including increased detentions of visa holders and legal permanent residents returning to the country; tighter asylum restrictions; and reduced refugee admissions — all of which we believe will continue to erode our global reputation and make the United States a less attractive destination for immigrants, international tourists, and other global travelers. The success of air travel depends on passenger confidence that their rights will be upheld and that all passengers will receive consistent treatment.
Although SEA has no direct flights to or from the countries listed in the travel ban, this latest action sends a message to the rest of the world that the United States does not want people from those countries here. This goes against what our nation and this Port stand for and continues to harm travel, commerce, and trade in the Pacific Northwest and beyond while promoting discrimination and exclusion. We are particularly troubled about these new policies in advance of next year’s FIFA World Cup, which should be a celebration of what brings us together rather than a reminder of what keeps us apart.
The Port of Seattle will continue to stand up for what is right and speak in favor of policies that we believe will create the best results for our communities, our partners, and our economy.
Contact
Katherine Fountain | Senior Media Officer
(206) 787-3071 | [email protected]
