Durham rally tells Trump 'no human being is illegal'

Organizations in Durham are calling on community and faith-based leaders to stand by those impacted by the measure.

Dozens of people off all ages and from different backgrounds and walks of life came out Friday morning for a rally but they had one thing in common- they all strongly oppose many of the decisions the new administration has already made.

Trump recently signed executive orders to build a wall along border between the United States and Mexico and to block federal funding from going to U.S. cities that protect undocumented immigrants.

Trump has signed another executive action Friday afternoon implementing "new vetting measures" that he says are aimed at keeping "radical Islamic terrorists" out of the United States.

"Any announcement that would deny refugee resettlement based on an individual's country of origin would run counter to our most basic values as a nation," said Ellen Andrews, the director of Church World Service in Durham.

Many of those who attended Friday’s rally held signs with messages including “no human being is illegal” and “refugees are welcome here.”

Andrews echoed those sentiments.

“We come here today to urge the new administration to affirm policies that keep families together, help separated families reunite and prioritize protection and safety for those who are in danger,” she said.

Marim Salum is a refugee and, through a translator, she explained how she feels about the new administration.

"My biggest worry is because I left my family and my kids. My plan was to have them come join me, but I heard that they might stop the refugees from coming here and that's my biggest fear," she said.

Others said they are worried, but also hopeful for the future.

"I think we need to stand together as one species, one human race on this Earth," said Maxine Vande.