Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) voted for H.R. 1333, the National Origin-Based Antidiscrimination for Nonimmigrants (NO BAN) Act.  The legislation amends the Immigration and Nationality Act’s nondiscrimination provision to prohibit immigration bans based on religion and to apply all nondiscrimination protections to immigrant and nonimmigrant visas alike. Congresswoman Fletcher is a co-sponsor of the NO BAN Act, which passed the House of Representatives, 218-208. 

“Houston is home to people from around the world, and we are stronger and more vibrant because of our diversity,” said Congresswoman Fletcher.  “Among the first actions President Biden took in office was to rescind the discriminatory Muslim travel ban enacted during the last administration.  Today’s vote makes it the law that no one can be discriminated against on the basis of religion when entering the United States.  I was proud to co-sponsor and vote for this legislation that reflects our Houston values.” 

The NO BAN Act limits executive overreach by amending section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to place checks and balances on the President’s authority to temporarily suspend or restrict the entry of non-citizens or classes of non-citizens into the United States.  This bill requires that the President ensure that any such suspension or restriction of non-citizens or classes of non-citizens is based on specific and credible facts; is narrowly tailored; specifies a duration; and includes waivers.  The NO BAN Act also strengthens the Immigration and Nationality Act’s nondiscrimination provisions by prohibiting discrimination based on religion.