ew restrictions on immigrants and refugees in an executive order signed by President Donald Trump mean legal permanent residents who have passports from seven Muslim-majority countries have to be cleared back into the United States on a case-by-case basis, officials say.
The official told a news briefing green card holders from Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen who are traveling outside America need to check with a US consulate to see whether they can return.
“It’s being cleared on a case-by-case basis and being moved expeditiously,” the official said.
The official defended the scope and execution of the new rules, saying it moved with “astonishing rapidity” but worked as intended.
specific comment, but said foreigners do not have a right to enter into the US, and dismissed as “ludicrous” the notion that the move amounted to a “Muslim ban”.
Afghanistan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Oman, Tunisia and Turkey were Muslim-majority countries not included in the order, a second official said.
The official defended the scope and execution of the new rules, saying it moved with “astonishing rapidity” but worked as intended.
Confusion abounded at airports as immigration and customs officials struggled to interpret the new rules, with some legal residents who were in the air when the order was issued detained at airports upon arrival.
The official argued the pause on travel from the countries is a response to concerns that immigration and refugee programs are being abused.
The Trump administration is developing stricter rules for vetting people who want to come to the US.
Asked about lawsuits filed against the order, the official declined specific comment, but said foreigners do not have a right to enter into the US, and dismissed as “ludicrous” the notion that the move amounted to a “Muslim ban”.
Afghanistan, Malaysia, Pakistan, Oman, Tunisia and Turkey were Muslim-majority countries not included in the order, a second official said.
Questions over dual nationality passports
The Wall Street Journal has reported that citizens who hold dual nationality also will be barred from entering the US.
If correct, it means that the 90-day visa moratorium extends beyond citizens of Iraq, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Libya and Yemen.
Australian citizens who also have a passport issued by one of the seven banned countries will be barred from entering the United States as well.
Reuters
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