In a string of controversial executive orders, President Trump started the second week of his presidency with another polarizing act. In what he describes as an effort to prevent terrorism on American soil, Trump has suspended the acceptance of refugees for 120 days and has blocked entry into the United States for immigrants and visitors from seven predominantly Muslim countries—Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen—for three months. In response, numerous impassioned celebrities against the immigration ban have taken to the streets, social media, and even the red carpet to express their outrage.
On Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, many actors, musicians, activists, and athletes have directly addressed the ban through declarations of unity and anger. For comedian extraordinaire Ellen Degeneres, “America is great because of all the people who came here. Not in spite of them.” Similarly, American actor Ashton Kutcher condemned his president’s policy, while British author JK Rowling expressed her disdain for her own country’s response to the ban.
In addition to social media, many celebrities also used Sunday night’s Screen Actors Guild Awards as a platform for their views on the matter. Stranger Things’ star David Harbour‘s heartfelt speech on the “battle against fear, self-centeredness and exclusivity of our predominantly narcissistic culture” was met with extensive applause, as were Moonlight‘s Mahershala Ali‘s moving words and Julia Louis-Dreyfus‘ silly yet sincere soliloquy. Kerry Washington also made her mark during the ceremony, as she literally wore her heart on her sleeve when she fastened a safety pin to her Roberto Cavalli gown “to show solidarity.”
Still, some stars have taken a more traditional approach to the issue through public protests and donations. Seth Rogen, Chloë Grace Moretz, and George Takei have provided details about demonstrations on Twitter, while Sia, Grimes, and John Legend have promised to match pledges to organizations in need.
You can see all of the star-studded reactions below.
Many celebrities against the immigration ban have expressed their views through social media…
❤💛💙💚 pic.twitter.com/LhYmxPLdNE
— Miley Ray Cyrus (@MileyCyrus) January 28, 2017
FYI, @realDonaldTrump this is the quote on our Statue Of Liberty. #themoreyouknow pic.twitter.com/UX4dQLE7di
— Alyssa Milano (@Alyssa_Milano) January 28, 2017
For me, America is great because of all the people who came here. Not in spite of them. #NoBan
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) January 29, 2017
As an American I respect my president but I do not respect this policy. #ABetterWay
— ashton kutcher (@aplusk) January 30, 2017
Americans telling me how ashamed they are: you’ve got a lot of company across the Atlantic today. #Chamberlainhttps://t.co/Z5buaq5CZi
— J.K. Rowling (@jk_rowling) January 28, 2017
Read Malala Yousafzai’s statement on President Trump’s executive order on refugees: https://t.co/KLx5zGU78r pic.twitter.com/hpqNvy90hX
— Malala Fund (@MalalaFund) January 27, 2017
…Entire awards show speeches…
And red carpet fashion statements.
I’ll be wearing one of these tonight. On my arm. To show solidarity. We will not stop fighting for our safety & the safety of our fellow citizens and human beings. #NoBanNoWall #safetypin
A photo posted by Kerry Washington (@kerrywashington) on
Some have vowed to donate to organizations and people in need.
help our queer & immigrant friends. send me your donation receipts for the @aclu & I will match up to $100K https://t.co/P9zVRH0WH0 #RESIST
— sia (@Sia) January 28, 2017
hey, i’ll match all donations to CAIR up to $10,000. tweet a screencap of your receipt to me <3 anything helps <3 https://t.co/tNaqrxOm7a
— Grimes (@Grimezsz) January 28, 2017
I just made a donation to @theIRC to support refugees fleeing war and despair. Join me if you can. https://t.co/hKKaz3T5fc
— John Legend (@johnlegend) January 28, 2017
To the dude who said I don’t belong in America, I started a fundraising page for Syrian Refugees in your name. https://t.co/NOR5P48fBi pic.twitter.com/jtJOsK9GrU
— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) January 28, 2017
And, of course, others are encouraging everyone to join in protest.
LA Protest on #Muslimban TODAY 1-5 at Federal Immigration Office, 300 N. Los Angeles St. https://t.co/y2KOOJmqWx
— Seth Rogen (@Sethrogen) January 28, 2017
I’ll be there. Let’s go. pic.twitter.com/RldKs70jp6
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz) January 29, 2017
Folks in NYC: Peaceful Protest in Battery Park this afternoon. https://t.co/pE8JfQ9Ksa
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) January 29, 2017
Beautiful active people! Engage in life! New York cabbies strike against Trump’s Muslim crackdown https://t.co/gdlMvDpUDC # via @HuffPostPol
— Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) January 29, 2017