The Port of Seattle Commissioners issued the following joint statement:

“As the Port of Seattle’s Commission, we work to advance trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in the most equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner possible. The Port of Seattle is committed to making Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and all our facilities places that uphold civil rights, justice, and dignity.

The Trump Administration’s most recent travel ban is yet another example of an approach to immigration policy that we believe runs counter to our goals of being a welcoming gateway for people from around the world.

Prior to this travel ban, the Administration has issued and enacted a series of immigration policy changes — from increased detentions of visa and lawful permanent residents returning to the country to enacting tighter asylum restrictions and reducing refugee admissions — that we feel will not make our country safer but instead damage our global reputation and make the United States a less attractive destination for immigrants, tourists, and other travelers. The success of air travel depends on passenger confidence that their rights will be upheld and that there is a reliable, consistent treatment of all international arriving visitors.

While no direct flights from countries listed in the travel ban land at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, this travel ban will send a message to the rest of the world that the United States does not want people from the rest of the world to come here. It also goes against what our country and our Port stand for, and has the potential to harm travel, commerce, and trade in the Pacific Northwest and nationally while promoting discrimination and exclusion.

The Port of Seattle will continue to stand up for what is right and what we believe will create the best results for our communities, our partners, and our economy.”

Contact

Perry Cooper | SEA Airport

[email protected]