

"I am heartbroken," said Malala Yousafzai on Friday.
The teen activist released a statement on Facebook in response to President Trump's latest executive order regarding refugees from Muslim countries, in which he ordered "new vetting measures" to keep "radical Islamic terrorists" out of the United States.
"We don't want 'em here," Trump declared. "We want to ensure that we are not admitting into our country the very threats our soldiers are fighting overseas. We only want to admit those into our country who will support our country and love deeply our people."
In her statement, Yousafzai, who became the youngest person ever to accept the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, spoke of her sorrow for the young refugees who have looked to America as a beacon of hope and new opportunity in the past, citing the experience of her friend Zaynab, a girl who fled from three countries during times of war, ultimately coming to the United States two years ago, after which she was able to graduate high school and has since gone on to college to become a human rights lawyer.
She closes her moving message by asking Trump "not to turn his back on the world's most defenseless children and families."
The statement reads:
"I am heartbroken that today President Trump is closing the door on children, mothers and fathers fleeing violence and war.
I am heartbroken that America is turning its back on a proud history of welcoming refugees and immigrants — the people who helped build your country, ready to work hard in exchange for a fair chance at a new life.
I am heartbroken that Syrian refugee children, who have suffered through six years of war by no fault of their own, are singled-out for discrimination.
I am heartbroken for girls like my friend Zaynab, who fled wars in three countries — Somalia, Yemen and Egypt — before she was even 17. Two years ago she received a visa to come to the United States. She learned English, graduated high school and is now in college studying to be a human rights lawyer.
Zaynab was separated from her little sister when she fled unrest in Egypt. Today her hope of being reunited with her precious sister dims.
In this time of uncertainty and unrest around the world, I ask President Trump not to turn his back on the world's most defenseless children and families."
Follow Marie Claire on Facebook for the latest celeb news, beauty tips, fascinating reads, livestream video, and more.
Sarah Lindig is the senior digital editor, overseeing special projects for Harper's Bazaar.
-
Meghan Markle Shared a Poignant Message About Working Moms as She Calls for More Childcare Support
Archewell is supporting the "National Business Coalition for Child Care."
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kanye West Told Kim Kardashian She Was Dressed Like Marge Simpson and Her Career Was Over After the WSJ Innovator Awards
This is awful.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
Kate Middleton Just Revealed Prince Louis' Favorite Superhero
A fine choice.
By Iris Goldsztajn
-
The Supreme Court's Mississippi Abortion Rights Case: What to Know
The case could threaten Roe v. Wade.
By Megan DiTrolio
-
Sex Trafficking Victims Are Being Punished. A New Law Could Change That.
Victims of sexual abuse are quietly criminalized. Sara's Law protects kids that fight back.
By Dr. Devin J. Buckley and Erin Regan
-
My Family and I Live in Navajo Nation. We Don't Have Access to Clean Running Water
"They say that the United States is one of the wealthiest countries in the world. Why are citizens still living with no access to clean water?"
By Amanda L. As Told To Rachel Epstein
-
30 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
If anyone tries to tell you otherwise, show them these statistics.
By Megan Friedman
-
Cory Booker and Rosario Dawson's Relationship Is No More
After three years of dating, the power couple have decided they're better off as friends.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Education for Women and Girls Is Crucial for Climate Justice
In an excerpt from her new book, 'A Bigger Picture,' Ugandan climate activist Vanessa Nakate discusses the impact educated African women and girls can have on solving the climate crisis.
By Vanessa Nakate
-
It’s Time to End Equal Pay Days and Pass the Equal Rights Amendment
The passage of the ERA is a chance for our country to prove it truly values women.
By Hala Ayala
-
In Conversation: Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Emily Tisch Sussman
“It’s ridiculous that we’re the only advanced nation on the planet that doesn’t help families with childcare.”
By Emily Tisch Sussman