Free Republic

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including sections 212(f) and 215(a) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f) and 1185(a), and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, I hereby amend the Proclamation of May 24, 2020, titled “Suspension of Entry as Immigrants and Nonimmigrants of Certain Additional Persons Who Pose a Risk of Transmitting 2019 Novel Coronavirus” as follows:Section 1.  Amendment.  Section 5 is amended to read as follows:  “Sec. 5.  Effective Date.  This proclamation is effective at 11:59 p.m. eastern daylight time on...

Our Nation mourns for every life lost to the coronavirus pandemic, and we share in the suffering of all those who endured pain and illness from the outbreak.  Through our grief, America stands steadfast and united against the invisible enemy.  May God be with the victims of this pandemic and bring aid and comfort to their families and friends.  As a mark of solemn respect for the victims of the coronavirus pandemic, by the authority vested in me as President of the United States by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, I hereby order that the flag of the...

Since the founding of our great Nation, we have relied on merchant mariners to deliver goods to market and strengthen our national security.  On National Maritime Day, we recognize the United States Merchant Marine for all it does to facilitate our commerce and protect our interests at sea.Our Nation’s merchant mariners enable peaceful trade with countries around the world and provide vital sealift support to our Armed Forces.  Whether on the ocean or our inland waterways, merchant mariners support our economy by transporting billions of dollars of imported and exported goods.  These men and women also sail bravely into...

Nearly 30 years ago, in a small town in southeast Minnesota, freedom-loving Americans on both sides of the political aisle opened the doors to our Nation’s first public charter school, enabling families to more effectively choose the best learning environment for their child. This historic action sparked a movement that now spans 44 States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. There are currently more than 7,400 public charter schools providing individualized education and learning opportunities to more than 3 million students and their families throughout our Nation. During National Charter School Week, we recognize the contributions of public...

On Peace Officers Memorial Day and during Police Week, we commend the brave men and women of our law enforcement community for continually summoning the courage to fulfill their solemn oath to protect and serve. We also pause to remember all those who have lost their lives and who have suffered permanent disabilities defending their communities and the rule of law, including the heroes we have lost this year to the coronavirus. Throughout our Nation’s history, law enforcement officials have never wavered in the face of crisis or tragedy. During uncertain times, law enforcement officers bravely face challenges and continue...

On Mother’s Day, we celebrate the exceptional mothers in our lives.  It is through the unwavering love, comfort, and guidance of these extraordinary women that we first learn to experience joy and the wonders of life.  Whether they became mothers through birth, adoption, foster care, or other means, these women are deserving of our unending gratitude and praise this day and every day.The intuition and wisdom passed from mother to child strengthens the fabric of our Nation and preserves generations of wisdom and familial values.  In our earliest days, our mothers provide us with love and nurturing care.  They...

Military spouses, who stand alongside our men and women in uniform, share in our service members’ heroic endeavors through selfless service, immeasurable contributions, and noble sacrifices.  Through their dedication to their loved ones, military spouses support the mission of our Armed Forces to defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.  On Military Spouse Day, we pay tribute to these extraordinary individuals who strengthen and enrich our fighting forces, our communities, and our Republic.The abiding capacity of our Nation’s military spouses to balance the many demands of military life reflects their unwavering spirit, fortitude, and grace.  They support loved ones who have answered our...

On this National Day of Prayer, Americans reaffirm that prayer guides and strengthens our Nation, and we express, with humility and gratitude, our “firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence.” As one Nation under God, we share a legacy of faith that sustains and inspires us and a heritage of religious liberty. Today, we join together and lift up our hearts, remembering the words of 1 John 5:14 that tell us when “we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” From our earliest days, our dependence upon God has brought us to seek His divine counsel and...

Every day, nurses provide quality, compassionate, and critical care to patients during both routine medical visits and in times of great vulnerability, fear, and uncertainty.  Over the past weeks and months, as our nurses have worked heroically on the frontlines of the coronavirus response, their contributions to the health and well-being of our citizenry have been exponentially magnified.  On National Nurses Day, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary men and women who devote themselves to this vital and noble profession.Nursing is not merely a vocation; it is a special calling to serve others selflessly, particularly in times when help is needed...

This year, National Mental Health Awareness Month coincides with one of the most complex and challenging periods in our Nation’s recent history — combatting the coronavirus pandemic. Not only has the virus caused immense physical suffering and loss for many people, it has also resulted in mental and emotional hardship. The stress and worry over the health and safety of family and friends, forced isolation, and financial distress can all result in anxiety, depression, substance misuse and abuse, and, tragically, even suicide. There is no question this is a difficult and unprecedented time for Americans. Yet, we know that there...

Families are the foundation of our communities and our country.  All children deserve a stable, supportive, and loving home in which to grow, thrive, and realize their full potential.  During National Foster Care Month, we honor the selfless men and women who open their homes to nurture at-risk children and promote healing, unification, and family-based empowerment.Foster care plays a critical role in providing young people who have had to be removed from their homes a critical place of refuge.  It is an invaluable resource for keeping children safe in temporary circumstances and providing stability, direction, and comfort to our...

More than 230 years ago, the Founding Fathers of our Nation crafted a revolutionary and unique form of Government rooted in the rule of law.  Today, we continue to enjoy liberty, justice, and equality under the law as set forth and preserved in our Constitution.  On Law Day, we celebrate the distinctive framework of our system of Government, which secures individual liberties and protects against arbitrary exercise of government power so that all citizens have the right and the freedom to pursue their American Dream.In arguing for the ratification of our Constitution, James Madison wisely recognized that in a government...

PROTECTING AMERICAN WORKERS: President Donald J. Trump is taking action to temporarily pause immigration and protect American workers as we confront the coronavirus. President Trump is suspending new immigrant visas to put American communities and workers first as we move toward safely reopening the economy.President Trump has a duty to ensure we help Americans regain their jobs and livelihoods.This is a temporary pause demanded by the crisis we are facing as a Nation. The pause will be in effect for 60 days, and the Administration will continue to monitor the labor market to amend or extend the proclamation if needed.There...

The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has significantly disrupted the livelihoods of Americans.  In Proclamation 9994 of March 13, 2020 (Declaring a National Emergency Concerning the Novel Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Outbreak), I declared that the COVID–19 outbreak in the United States constituted a national emergency, beginning March 1, 2020.  Since then, the American people have united behind a policy of mitigation strategies, including social distancing, to flatten the curve of infections and reduce the spread of SARS–CoV–2, the virus that causes COVID-19.  This needed behavioral shift has taken a toll on the United States economy, with national unemployment claims reaching historic levels.  In the days between the national...

In 1981, President Ronald Reagan proclaimed the first National Crime Victims’ Rights Week to acknowledge the abuse and trauma that victims of crimes often experience, and to recognize the tireless work of dedicated advocates who have taken up the cause of supporting crime victims across our country. Thanks to the efforts of these individuals, more victims are receiving the care they deserve and accessing tools to empower them as they recover. This week, we express our appreciation for those who support crime victims, and we reaffirm our strong commitment to reducing the trauma of crime for victims and their loved...

This year marks 130 years since the spirit of cooperation, hope, and progress brought together the nations of the Americas at the First International Conference of American States.  This historic meeting chartered the course for the establishment of the Organization of American States in 1948, an institution that has ever since worked toward peace and prosperity throughout the Americas, encouraging the nonviolent resolution of conflict and promoting mutual social and economic growth.  As we celebrate our remarkable progress this Pan American Day and Pan American Week, let us also reaffirm our resolve to uphold and bolster liberty, democracy, and freedom...

Since our founding, brave men and women who have selflessly answered the call of duty to defend our precious liberty have shaped the fabric of our Nation.  In the course of fighting for our freedom and security, many of these heroes have been captured and often subjected to shocking conditions and unimaginable torture.  On National Former Prisoner of War Recognition Day, we honor the more than 500,000 American warriors captured while protecting our way of life.  We pay tribute to these patriots for their unwavering and unrelenting spirit.In every major conflict in our Nation’s history, American prisoners of war (POWs)...

Healthcare Issued on: March 31, 2020     All News During Cancer Control Month, we commend the unwavering courage of those across our country who are battling cancer and remember all who have been taken from us by this horrible disease.  We also rejoice with the nearly 17 million cancer survivors in the United States who show us that victory over cancer is possible.  We extend our sincere appreciation to the devoted healthcare professionals, scientists, and researchers who have committed their lives to discovering a cure for cancer.While tremendous progress has been made in the fight against cancer, there is...

As Americans, we believe that every person has unbound potential.  It is therefore important that we offer former inmates who have served their sentences and learned from their earlier mistakes the opportunity for redemption through a second chance to become productive members of society.  During Second Chance Month, we celebrate those who have set out to create better lives following incarceration and recommit to helping former inmates contribute to the strength and prosperity of our Nation.In 2018, I signed into law the First Step Act, landmark legislation that brought needed reform to our criminal justice system.  The First Step...

Women have influenced and advanced every facet of American life and culture. The strength, ingenuity, and spirit of our female leaders, innovators, and pioneers shape our Nation’s character, government, industry, families, and communities. During Women’s History Month, we honor the women who have changed our Nation and the world, and we reaffirm our commitment to supporting the next generation of female trailblazers and dreamers as they carry forward this distinguished legacy. This year marks the centennial anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, securing the right to vote for women. This milestone in our country was...