Jan. 31, 2017 By Hannah Wulkan
A group of local politicians are throwing their support behind the Muslim community in Astoria following President Donald Trump’s Executive Order banning travelers from seven majority-Muslim countries.
Four electeds are planning an Astoria Unity Rally in support of the Muslim community on Friday, which will run from 5 to 6 p.m. at the corner of 25th Avenue and Steinway Street.
“Following the abhorrent executive order banning travel from several Muslim-majority countries, we must join together to fight for justice and equality for all New Yorkers,” said Councilman Costa Constandinides, who is co-sponsoring the rally along with Congressman Joe Crowley, State Senator Michael Gianaris and Assembly Member Aravella Simotas.
“Muslim-Americans and Muslim immigrants are a core part of Astoria’s history and community. Our nation was founded by immigrants and immigration continues to be an integral part of achieving the American Dream,” he added.
The rally comes in the wake of an Executive Order that Trump signed on Saturday barring citizens from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States for the next 90 days, and barring any refugees from entering the country for the next 120 days.
The Executive Order resulted in many travelers being detained at airports across the country and widespread confusion over who exactly the ban applied to and whether legal residents, such as green card holders, were included under the order.
“The Astoria community stands together with Muslim-Americans. Muslim-Americans and Muslim immigrants are a core part of Astoria’s history and community. Our nation was founded by immigrants and immigration continues to be an integral part of achieving the American Dream,” reads the Facebook page advertising the event.
In addition to the four politicians sponsoring the rally, the Muslim American Society of Queens and the Ansob Center for Refugees will both speak at the event. Other officials have also been invited, though not confirmed to attend, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, Public Advocate Letitia James, Comptroller Scott Stringer, City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, Queens Borough President Melinda Katz and Congress Member Carolyn Maloney.
For more information on the event, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/373619299679020/
