TOW #17 - Trump's Immigration Ban

Protests at Airport against Trump's Immigration Ban

     This photo was taken just hours after the federal judge passed President Trump's 'temporary ban' on immigration. This ban affected immigrants from seven countries where Islam is the national religion: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Libya. Immediately following this decision where loads and loads of protests, most notable the campaigns against the ban at airports around the country. As depicted in the photograph, hundreds of people from all races, genders, age, ethnicities are protesting at the the airport. I felt strongly that the photographer well captured the facial expressions and diversity at this particular protest and effectively demonstrated the rejection of the people against President Trump's executive order restricting refugees. 

     At first glance, the disdain on each and every one of the people's faces is obvious. What makes this image particularly effective are the people sadly gazing at the American flag. It sends a more powerful message of upset and disappointedness towards America as a whole. The words "We are America" are crumpled up in the folds of the flag, and the protesters can only hope that they can make a change. This ban prevents even those with green cards from coming back into the country after leaving the U.S.. Refugees from Syria run the risk of being banned indefinitely. However the protesters clearly believe that these actions are not what America is about. Banning immigration is not American, protesting for what is right is. On top of facial expressions, the photographer focused on an extremely diverse section of the protests at the airport. By doing so, the artist is able to strengthen the image of America as a strong nation of diverse people and not just one character. The picture works as a proof of defiance as well as a symbol for unity and strength. The true America welcomes people with open arms and will not quietly allow such injustice to unravel. 

     Trump's immigration ban has raised many eyebrows and heightened tensions between many people. Some immigrants have gotten lucky with being able to remain in the states with a green card. Unfortunately, for some their luck is limited and have had to lose family members to the law. Many stories have come about on families who have become separeted because of the law. Fortunately, with people like these protesters standing up for equality, America can remain strong and defiant in the face of injustice.