Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-MN) and Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI) reintroduced the Neighbors Not Enemies Act, legislation to fully repeal the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 (AEA). Part of the "Alien and Sedition Acts," the AEA is the only remaining law from this deeply problematic set of statutes that targeted immigrants under the guise of national security. While the other three acts have expired or been repealed, the AEA remains in effect, granting sweeping powers to the president to detain or deport foreign nationals from a specific country.
“We cannot allow antiquated laws to continue enabling discriminatory practices that harm immigrant communities,” said Rep. Omar. "The Alien Enemies Act has been used to target immigrants based solely on their nationality, leading to shameful chapters in our history like the internment of Japanese, Italian, and German-Americans during World War II. President Trump’s new administration is also threatening to use this law for sweeping detentions and deportations of immigrants without due process based solely on national origin. Repealing this law is a necessary step toward creating an immigration system rooted in justice and compassion.”
