Washington • While supportive of barring would-be terrorists from coming to America, Utah's congressional members are questioning President Donald Trump's executive order and raising concerns that it harms refugees truly in need.
"Though President Trump has rightly decided to focus on national security, I fear that this overly broad executive order may close the front door to many innocent individuals and may undermine our legal immigration system," said Rep. Mia Love, a Utah Republican whose parents fled Haiti to escape potential political persecution and settled in the United States.
"This administration should provide greater clarity regarding the implementation of this order, and quickly work with Congress on changes in implementation," Love said in a statement. "We must ensure that government solutions improve public safety while protecting American lives, freedom, compassion and hope."
Love later issued an updated statement, removing references to an "overly broad executive order" and mention of worry that it may "undermine" the immigration system.
Trump's order, temporarily barring travelers from six Muslim-majority countries and indefinitely halting those from Syria, has brought swift rebukes and legal challenges since he signed it Friday. More than 100 passengers flying into the United States from those countries last weekend were detained at airports while federal judges stayed the order's implementation pending further court action.
The White House on Monday defended the order, which follows Trump's campaign promise to ban Muslims from entering the United States, as an extension of travel restrictions called for by then-President Barack Obama, though through a spokesman the former president said he "fundamentally disagrees with the notion of discriminating against individuals because of their faith or religion."
In Love's updated statement, she said America "must secure our nation's borders and ensure Americans are protected while continuing to welcome individuals and families pursuing the American dream."
She added that Trump is "rightly" focused on national security but Congress must play a significant role in crafting immigration policy. "Our message to our friends and allies around the world and here at home regarding immigration must create clarity, not confusion," she said.
Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, told reporters at an event with wealthy conservatives hosted by the Koch brothers that he opposes basing immigration decisions on religion but he generally supports Trump's efforts.
"I understand the need and support the idea that vetting from certain countries is needed," Chaffetz said this weekend, according to The Washington Post. "A legal permanent resident I think is a different category. I don't understand what they're trying to do on those categories. People that have a green card supposedly have been vetted. So there needs to be some further clarification."
Chaffetz also praised Trump for taking action as he vowed to do in his White House run.
"He's off to a roaring start," Chaffetz said, according to The Post. "I think it's surprising a lot of people that he is actually doing what he said he was going to do, but there are those of us that actually support that."
Sen. Mike Lee, at the same event in California, didn't respond to reporters' questions about the refugee moratorium, The Post said.
Instead, Lee's office issued a statement saying that the GOP Utah senator is pleased the White House is focused on protecting the American people, though he wants to learn more about the details of how it will be implemented.
"I do have some technical questions about President Trump's executive order titled 'Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States,' " Lee said. "My staff and I will continue to reach out to the White House for clarification on these issues."
The office of Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, did not respond to questions about the president's order.
Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, said last week that he supports efforts to halt some refugee intake because, he argued, there is no way to vet some immigrants, including those from Syria.
Monday, Stewart doubled down on support for a moratorium, saying that he's traveled to war-torn areas of the world and, as a member of the House Intelligence Committee, has attended several classified briefings on terrorism.
"It's become clear to me that terrorist organizations may try to use the refugee program to infiltrate the United States," Stewart said in a statement. "Until we can improve the vetting process, this temporary pause is needed to protect our national security."
At the same time, Stewart said that America must remain the "most compassionate country in the world" and urged federal agencies to make changes to the vetting process so refugee programs can continue.
Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, said there need to be efforts to protect Americans from the threat of terrorism but it should be done while "holding true to our legal and moral obligations" to help the innocent victims of terror.
"In particular, as a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I am acutely aware that many of my own ancestors — as well as the ancestors of many other Latter-day Saints — were themselves refugees, religious minorities violently driven from their homes who undertook a long and dangerous journey to build a new life in a distant land," Hatch said in a statement over the weekend.
Hatch urged the Trump administration to tailor its policy as "narrowly as possible" to protect security needs while reducing unnecessary burdens on those seeking escape from war and terrorism.
tburr@sltrib.com
Steve Griffin | The Salt Lake Tribune After 13 immigrants became American citizens during a naturalization ceremony, Rep. Mia Love hugs new US citizen Alphonso DeLapaz as she gives him his certificate of citizenship at the South Jordan Library in Salt Lake City, Monday, August 24, 2015. Love also told the group of her family's immigration and lead them in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Rick Egan | The Salt Lake Tribune Tirek Nosseir visits with Rep. Jason Chaffetz at the Khadeeja Islamic Center, Monday, December 14, 2015.
