The U.S. State Department has confirmed that some 900 State Department officials around the world are protesting President Donald Trump's order temporarily barring refugees and citizens of seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the United States.
Officials said on January 31 that a dissent memorandum was submitted through a channel that department employees can use to express opposition to official policies.
The diplomats expressed concern that the order will sour relations with Muslim countries, inflame anti-American sentiment, and hurt those who have legitimate reasons to visit the United States.
Moreover, they said the policy "runs counter to core American values of non-discrimination, fair play, and extending a warm welcome."
"We are better than this ban," they said.
Trump's January 27 executive order bans visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen for 90 days. All refugees are barred for 120 days, while Syrian refugees are blocked indefinitely.
Trump fired the acting U.S. attorney general on January 29 for refusing the defend the order in court.
White House spokesman Sean Spicer warned career diplomats on January 30 that they should "get with the program or they can go."