Astorino tells Muslim-Americans their contributions are “essential”

YONKERS – Despite the temporary court order putting a halt to the ban on immigrants from seven predominantly Muslim countries, the Muslim-American community has its concerns about the Trump administration’s goals.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino addressed a prayer service at the Andalusia School in Yonkers on Friday and told followers that they are “the American Dream,” with their contributions “essential” to American society.
And Astorino had a promise for them.
“Please know and make no mistake about it, I would never support a religious test on who comes into our country,” he said to applause. “This is America, a country settled by pilgrims and puritans fleeing religious persecution. Careful screening of all people, yes; religious tests for some, no. We all want peace and security.”
Astorino reminded the gathering that he appointed the first two Muslim-Americans to the Westchester County Human Rights Commission.