SAN FRANCISCO, March 06, (THEWILL) – President Donald Trump has signed a new executive order on immigration that with a 90-day ban on people from six mainly Muslim nations.
The new order, a slightly watered-down version of his previous order sees Iraq being removed from the list of countries contained in the previous seven-nation order while citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen are the ones who would be subjected to a travel ban for the second time.
The measure, which includes a 120-day ban on all refugees, takes effect on March 16.
The previous order, presented as a means to strengthen national security against terror threats, which was blocked by a federal court, sparked confusion at airports and mass protests and effectively remains on hold.
However, the new order was unveiled by Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Department of Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly as the three Cabinet secretaries held a joint news conference on Mondaymorning to discuss the new directive.
“The fact remains that we are not immune to terrorist threats and that our enemies often use our own freedoms and generosity against us,” said Kelly.
In justifying the refugee ban, Sessions said there are more than 300 refugees under investigation for potential terror offences. But no further details were given.
Iraq has been taken off the banned list because its government has boosted visa screening and data sharing, White House officials said.
The new directive says refugees already approved by the State Department can enter the US and also lifts an indefinite ban on all Syrian refugees.
Green Card holders (legal permanent residents of the US) from the named countries will not be affected and the new order does not give priority to religious minorities, unlike the previous directive.
Kelly added that unregulated and unvetted travel was putting national security at risk.
He said the US cannot tolerate “malevolent actors using our immigration system to take American lives.”
None of the cabinet secretaries took any questions after the press conference.
