It took a while, but Charlie Crist finally weighs in on Donald Trump’s controversial executive order temporarily banning refugees from entering the U.S.
While nearly every member of the Florida congressional delegation — and certainly every Democrat — was eager to express their opinion over the weekend or Monday, the St. Petersburg Democrat was quiet. Until now.
Although he does not believe it to be a de facto ban on Muslims, Crist says that the idea of a religious test of any kind “is unconstitutional,” adding that the administration needs to rethink the strategy “immediately.”
Here is the statement in full:
“Our number one priority is to keep America safe. But we must also ensure that America continues to be the beacon of light and hope to the world. These policies are not mutually exclusive. We can and should take steps to improve our vetting processes, while also allowing refugees fleeing persecution to seek a better life in the U.S.
“The confusion and fear created by the lack of coordination around this Executive Order is shocking and deeply troubling. It also appears the so-called religious test it would implement is unconstitutional. The administration needs to rethink this strategy immediately.”
