Final answer:
The 2017 executive order against immigrants from Muslim nations fostered Islamophobia and reinforced negative stereotypes, leading to increased discrimination and profiling of Middle Eastern Americans.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 2017 executive order barring immigrants and refugees from certain Muslim nations has had significant impact on social attitudes toward Middle Eastern Americans. This order contributed to heightened Islamophobia, strengthening the narrative that Muslims should be feared. Despite some public opinion becoming more favorable towards Muslims after 9/11, the ban reinforced discrimination, creating a lingering perception that contributed to social attitudes conflating Middle Eastern identity with extremism. This has further complicated the lives of Middle Eastern Americans, many of whom represent a diverse array of religious practices and come from various regions of the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
Furthermore, Executive Order 13769 faced legal challenges for its discriminatory nature but was partially upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, which only created more divisiveness. The social fallout from these policies included racial profiling, especially in situations like air travel, increasing the everyday challenges faced by Middle Eastern Americans. The removal of such bans by President Biden marked a shift in immigration policy, yet the social scars and stereotypes that developed over time continue to affect the community.