The Port of Seattle Commission issued a joint statement on Monday, June 9, 2025, condemning the recent travel ban enacted by President Donald Trump, labeling it as discriminatory and detrimental to both international relations and the economic landscape of the region.
Despite the fact that Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) does not have direct flights from the newly impacted countries, the Commission expressed concern that such policies convey an unsettling message to the global community.
The statement read, “This travel ban will send a message to the rest of the world that the United States does not want people from the rest of the world to come here. It also goes against what our country and our Port stand for.”
Port commissioners indicated that the travel ban is part of a continued trend of restrictive immigration policies, which they argue undermine the values upheld by the Port and harm the nation’s reputation on the world stage.
“We feel [these policies] will not make our country safer but instead damage our global reputation and make the United States a less attractive destination for immigrants, tourists, and other travelers,” the Commission stated.
Although there were no immediate operational impacts reported at SEA, the Port emphasized the importance of trust and consistency in promoting international travel and commerce.
The Commission warned that the travel ban could potentially disrupt business and job creation across the Pacific Northwest, stressing, “The success of air travel depends on passenger confidence that their rights will be upheld and that there is a reliable, consistent treatment of all international arriving visitors.”
In their statement, the Port reiterated its commitment to civil rights and equity throughout its facilities and pledged to advocate for policies that uphold justice and dignity.
“The Port of Seattle will continue to stand up for what is right and what we believe will create the best results for our communities, our partners, and our economy,” the statement concluded.
In a more detailed reflection on their stance, the Commissioners articulated their vision: “As the Port of Seattle’s Commission, we work to advance trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in the most equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner possible. The Port of Seattle is committed to making Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and all our facilities places that uphold civil rights, justice, and dignity.”
The Commission also highlighted the negative implications of the travel ban on the Port’s mission to serve as a welcoming gateway for individuals from around the world.
Asserting that the ongoing policies from the Trump Administration—ranging from increased detentions of lawful permanent residents to tighter asylum restrictions—are counterproductive, they expressed that these measures do little to enhance safety.
In their opinion, such approaches could tarnish the global standing of the United States.
Ultimately, the Port of Seattle Commission stands firm in their resolve to advocate for what they deem to be equitable policies, emphasizing the significance of welcoming international travelers and promoting a positive image of the United States.
This joint statement serves not only as a condemnation of the travel ban but also as a call to uphold the values of trust, respect, and dignity for all who wish to travel to the United States.
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