America has been known to be a country of honor and freedom. However, in light of recent events, this country and its citizens have strayed further and further away from its founding principles.

Instead of striding towards tolerance and equality, America seems to be taking steps in the opposite direction, taking actions that would disappoint our Founding Fathers. Revoking the religious rights of minorities is what caused our ancestors to begin the colonization of this great nation.

Refugees who face terrible horrors in their homelands seek a country where they have the opportunity to make something out of themselves. Hurt and damaged human beings should not have to worry about being belittled by authority figures in this country.

President Donald Trump has recently placed an Executive Order, better known as the “Muslim Ban,” on refugees and people who come into this country. Refugees live in a country where Islamic terrorism is prevalent, which is a real threat to their safety and well being.

The powerless and the scared should have the right to seek refuge in a powerful nation like America. Islamophobia, a dislike or prejudice against Islam or Muslims, is alive and well in this country, and it seems to be catching fire in the minds of the justice system.

One of the fundamental rights that America is based off of is the freedom of religion. This freedom allows people in this country to peacefully practice their religion without any interference by the government. The fact that the justice system is trying to single out Muslims is simply inhumane and goes against everything that Americans have stood for.

Conservative right wing Americans are now turning to the ways of historical discrimination, and are again afraid of those that are different than them. They are terrified that these people could rise and inspire a change that is much needed in this country.

For too long, Americans have just sat back and allowed decades old prejudices to take hold of how we treat those that are not the same, whether it be on the basis of race, nationality, or religious beliefs.

This country has overlooked and excused the white man’s act of terrorism as “nationalism” or just a “mistake,” but are quick to judge those that have a different skin color.

For example, in Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, a white American man committed an act of nation terrorism in an elementary school and murdered 20 innocent children and six adults.

America’s justice system is quick to pass judgement on everyone who comes from countries who enforce radical Islamic terrorism, but seem to overlook the extremists located inside American borders.    

The age of racism and inequality is over and should be not be tolerated. Due to the recent restrictions on Muslim refugees and green card holding citizens, America seems to be divided on where to go next.