The Truman National Security Project applauds President Biden for taking swift action on the first day of his administration to rescind the dehumanizing Muslim ban, to rejoin the Paris Climate Agreement, and to strengthen the global response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Taken together, President Biden’s actions demonstrate the new Administration’s commitment to repair the United States’ standing in the global community and build an America that is welcoming to all. These actions represent important first steps to re-engage our allies, assemble a forward-thinking foreign-policy agenda, and shore up national security at home and abroad.

“President Biden’s actions are a welcome sign that he intends to deliver on his commitment to re-establishing American global leadership,” said Jenna Ben-Yehuda, President and CEO of Truman National Security Project and its sister organization, the Truman Center for National Policy. “His administration is ready to meet the demands of this moment, and it’s hitting the ground running.”

Significant as these executive orders are, Truman recognizes that the Biden administration cannot undo four years of chaos and destruction in a single day, or even in its first 100 days. And it cannot do so alone.

To rebuild an immigration system that aligns with our nation’s values and aspirations, and to meet the needs of our climate emergency, the U.S. must foster meaningful collaboration and cooperation with partners around the globe.

On immigration policy, this means re-establishing America’s inclusive posture toward immigrants and refugees, and marshaling efforts to address the root causes of forced migration. President Biden is sending the U.S. Citizenship Act of 2021 to Congress, which seeks to restore humanity to our immigration system. Stronger pathways to citizenship are a key aspect of President Biden’s legislative agenda. These actions will strengthen US national security.

On climate, the U.S. must lead efforts to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement — to limit global warming, to increase resilience to the impacts of rising temperatures, and to provide financial and technical assistance to partner nations, especially those that are more vulnerable to the consequences of global climate change. The president’s actions on day one help re-establish the U.S. as a global leader on climate change, by rolling back regulations that are damaging to the environment.

“These executive orders show that the new Administration is following through on its stated commitment to the rule of law and to working in concert with the world community, on the pressing issue of climate change,” said Ben-Yehuda.