Khizr Khan discussing immigration at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in PhiladelphiaWIKIMEDIA, VOICE OF AMERICA

After President Donald Trump issued a controversial executive order on immigration last week (January 27) that temporarily banned travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, the scientific community mobilized. Arguing that scientific discovery is inextricably tied to immigrants and international collaboration, researchers began writing letters and statements opposing the order.

Here are a few excerpts from statements issued by scientific societies and organization, calling on Trump to rescind the executive order.

In order to remain the world leader in advancing scientific knowledge and innovations, the US science and technology enterprise must continue to capitalize on the international and multicultural environment within which it operates.

—A letter signed by more than 150 scientific and engineering societies, national associations, and universities, sent to President Donald Trump

The benefits of scientific collaborations are amplified by our diversity. Limiting the...

—A joint statement on the executive order, written by six national cancer societies

With the assistance of our immigration laws, our world class research institutions have been the place future scientists have come to learn the secrets of the cell, the atom, and the stars.

—American Society for Cell Biology, official statement

Our organization was founded by scientists, including those who fled the Nazi threat in Europe. In fact, ask around any office or business in the United States and you will meet immigrants, children of immigrants, and grandchildren of immigrants like me.

—Ken Kimmell, President of the Union of Concerned Scientists, official statement

SfN is urging the administration to work with the scientific community in crafting an appropriate solution—one that recognizes that science cannot be contained within borders.

—Society for Neuroscience, official statement

Other countries have set the goal of surpassing the United States as the global leader in higher education, research, and innovation. Allowing them to replace this country as the prime destination for the most talented students and researchers would cause irreparable damage, and help them to achieve their goal of global leadership.

—Association of American Universities, official statement

Science recognizes no limitations based on the origins of the scientist. We succeed in science if we follow our core principles, regardless of a scientist’s race, creed, gender, or color. For American scientists, these are non-negotiable principles.

—American Society for Microbiology, official statement

Because disease knows no geographic boundaries, it is essential to ensure that we continue to foster, rather than impede, scientific cooperation with physicians and researchers of all nationalities, as we strive to keep our country healthy.

—Association of American Medical Colleges, official statement

After the tragic events of September 11, 2001, as restrictions on immigration and foreign national travel were put in place to safeguard our national security, AAAS and other organizations worked closely with the Bush administration to advise on a balanced approach. We strongly recommend a similar discussion with officials in the Trump administration.

—American Association for the Advancement of Science, official statement

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