In Dearborn, Michigan, the reimplementation of a travel ban affecting specific countries has reignited tensions among Arab American voters, a demographic President Trump previously sought to win over in the critical battleground state. This ban, echoing the controversial “Muslim ban” from Trump’s earlier term, has been particularly disheartening for Yemeni Americans in Dearborn, who are dismayed to see their country included in the new list of 12 nations predominantly from Africa and the Middle East.
Local activist Wali Altahif expressed his frustration, questioning the reward for a community that chose to support Trump. The new proclamation, which spans countries such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, and Libya, aims to protect against threats posed by foreign individuals, according to the Trump administration. Altahif, however, views this as a form of selective discrimination and collective punishment.
Michigan houses one of the largest Arab American populations in the U.S., concentrated mainly around Detroit. This group has recently been critical of President Biden’s support of Israel during the Gaza conflict, contributing to a shift in political allegiance away from the Democratic Party. The travel ban and the ongoing tensions in Gaza have made many Arab Americans feel disillusioned with both major U.S. political parties.
Trump’s policies have had visible political repercussions in Dearborn, a city where nearly half of the population is of Arab descent. In the recent election, Trump secured a Republican win in Dearborn for the first time since 2000, while Democratic votes decreased significantly. This shift reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current political options among Arab American voters, who are also impacted by the extended crisis in Yemen.
The Yemeni population, especially those in Dearborn, largely supported Trump in the 2024 election due to his promises of peace in the Middle East. Nevertheless, ongoing conflicts have left them in despair. Yemeni Americans in the U.S. face additional stigmatization from the travel ban, which many community leaders argue fuels Islamophobia rather than counteracts terrorism. Exceptions to the travel ban, such as for green-card holders, do exist but are fraught with challenges, often prolonging family separations.
Fear persists among Arab Americans, many hesitating to discuss the restrictions due to fear of reprisal. Legal residents and citizens alike are wary of experiencing detainment or undue scrutiny when traveling, situations that Muslim travelers have often faced in recent years. According to Amir Makled, a civil rights attorney in Dearborn, many choose not to travel despite having legal rights to do so, to avoid complications at U.S. borders.
Looking ahead, both major political parties must engage with Arab and Muslim communities in Detroit as pivotal elections approach in 2026. These votes could be decisive for open positions such as governor and senator, with even marginal shifts capable of influencing state and national outcomes. Peter Trumbore, a political science expert, emphasizes the potential impact of these voters on upcoming electoral results.
Altahif notes that the Democratic Party’s stance on Gaza has pushed Yemeni Americans away, while Trump’s inability to quickly resolve the Israel-Hamas conflict has also led to disappointment. While some state Democrats have criticized the travel ban, similar opposition has not been seen from Republicans. Osama Siblani, publisher of the Arab American News in Dearborn, highlights discussions with candidates from both parties and the growing interest in independent candidates among the community.
Siblani describes the travel ban as a “racist” measure that fails to address the critical issues faced by nations like Yemen and Sudan, where many Detroit residents have family ties. With dissatisfaction in both major parties, many are considering alternative political options. There is a sentiment within the community favoring support for an independent candidate as a response to their growing disenchantment with the current political landscape.