“The Supreme Court has ruled that there is virtually no check on a president’s power if he attaches the words “national security” to an order. In reality, this ban is based on religion no matter what the Supreme Court decides to call it. Today’s ruling sets a dangerous precedent empowering a president to act more as a dictator than as a democratic leader who respects the civil liberties enumerated in the Bill of Rights.

“Despite the fact that previous versions of the ban were thrown out by various federal district judges and by two federal appeals courts, and the Fourth Circuit pointing to ‘undisputed evidence that the President of the United States has openly and often expressed his desire to ban those of Islamic faith from entering the United States, the court decided to instead codify xenophobia and hate.

“The travel ban is entirely about discriminating based on nationality and place of residence, and it is part of the administration’s broader efforts to harm marginalized communities, including Muslims and people of color. Our nation is made richer by the fact that nearly every community has a unique immigrant experience. Our nation’s policies must reflect compassion, not hostility.

“The federal courts are our nation’s most critical backstop. NCJW will continue to work for fair, diverse, and independent judges who keep faith with constitutional values. We will engage and mobilize our members and supporters to vote in 2018 for the values and just policies that will promote and protect our nation – not polarize it. Changing hearts and minds is not easy, and we have much work to do with no help from our highest court. But no matter—our faith, and our moral values demand that we open our hearts and minds to travelers from all countries, regardless of faith or nationality.”