Many people from various backgrounds have shared their perspective on Donald Trump’s refugee ban, but who better to hear from than someone who was once a refugee? Lakers forward Luol Deng found refuge in the United Kingdom as a child after leaving South Sudan, and he commented on the president’s policy Monday.
I am a #ProudRefugee. pic.twitter.com/4aeMY98vaJ
— Luol Deng (@LuolDeng9) January 30, 2017
Here is Deng’s statement:
I am a #ProudRefugee.
I would not be where I am today if it weren’t for the opportunity to find refuge in a safe harbor. for the people of South Sudan, refugee resettlement has saved countless lives, just as it has for families all over the world escaping the depths of despair.
It’s important that we remember to humanize the experience of others. Refugees overcome immeasurable odds, relocate across the globe, and work hard to make the best of their newfound home. Refugees are productive members of society that want for their family just as you want for yours. I stand by all refugees and migrants, of all religions, just as I stand by the policies that have historically welcomed them.
Deng was not the only foreign basketball player to share his thoughts Monday. At the college level, Iowa guard Peter Jok, a Sudan native, also made a statement on Trump’s immigration ban having a personal effect. Although Jok is a naturalized U.S. citizen, many of his friends and family will be affected.
Although from a different perspective, Trump’s travel ban also hit home for Warriors coach Steve Kerr. Kerr lost his father to terrorism in Lebanon in 1984 and said the policy has a better chance of breeding more anger and terror than stopping terrorism.
Many other figures across sports have spoken out against Trump since the policy went into effect.
[FTW]
