Here’s another round-up of what we’ve been reading and watching this week, from the news and around the web.

On Monday the Trump Administration released a new executive order on immigration and refugees that will go into effect on March 16. The New York Times provides a quick look at how the order has changed, though notable revisions include taking Iraq off the list of Muslim-majority countries whose nationals are banned for 90 days and excluding current visa holders being banned from entry.

VFAI released a statement in response to the revised executive order. In it, we don’t mince words about where we stand: “Veterans for American Ideals believes that this revised executive order still seriously weakens U.S. national security, undermines our global leadership, and markedly separates us from the ideals that we strive to live up to as a nation.”

In the Middle East, the executive order is still seen as a Muslim ban.  The New York Times reports “even in unaffected countries, the ban has stoked the belief that the true goal of Mr. Trump and senior advisers like Stephen K. Bannon is to pursue a civilizational war against Muslims.”

Although Afghanistan is not included in the new executive order, The New York Times reports that “Afghans seeking to apply for what are known as Special Immigrant Visas were being told by the American Embassy in Kabul, the capital, that applications would no longer be accepted.”

Human Rights First immediately published a statement expressing alarm over this news.  VFAI founder Scott Cooper states “This is a betrayal of the brave men and women who stood by the side of U.S. armed forces in the face of great personal risk.”

Al Chang, the president of Columbia University Military Veterans, spoke with VFAI about his service alongside an Afghan ally and how that time helped him rethink what it means to serve. Chang says “I think the military is a family, and I don’t think the lines of that brotherhood are necessarily demarcated by ethnic or agency affiliation.”

For our leader spotlight this week, VFAI sat down with Shannon Rhein, who served as an Army combat medic in Iraq. “I feel I have a greater responsibility to speak up on issues that relate to American ideals because I thought this country was worth putting my life on the line to defend,” says Rhein.

Have reactions to share, or want to learn how you can be involved in our efforts to raise veteran voices in support of refugees? Find us on Facebook or Twitter, or contact us at [email protected]