Photo: Screenshot/ABC News
The Department of Homeland Security Tuesday announced the United States would allow 872 refugees to enter the country this week, amidst confusion over travel restrictions enforced under last week’s executive order.
Secretary Homeland Security John Kelly says President Donald Trump’s executive order is not a travel ban but a “temporary pause” that allows his department to better review existing refugee and visa systems.
“This is not a ban on Muslims,” Kelly said, describing religious liberty as one of the fundamental and treasured American values.
At the same time, Kelly said, terrorists seek to infiltrate into the United States to harm Americans and it is his duty to protect Americans against such threats.
According to R. Kevin K. McAleenan, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the refugees would have faced “undue hardship” if not allowed into the United States.
The refugees will be granted waivers to 872 refugees this week since President Trump’s executive order suspended a program for refugees resettlement for 120 days and also halted arrival of citizens from seven Muslim majority countries including Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen for 90 days. The implementation of the order drew widespread protests and criticism following which President Trump said the order was not a Muslim ban but a measure to ensure American security.
The Department of Homeland Security says all 109 people affected by the ban and detained at airports have been released, some allowed in, others sent back.
Acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), says more than 500,000 foreigners flew into the country in the 72 hours after President Trump’s order, while the CBP granted waivers to 1,060 green card holders from the affected countries.
McAleenan says 75 waivers were granted to other visa holders, including people who had special visas intended for translators who have worked with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The immigration order has created chaos and uncertainty around the globe, stranding some people at airports, causing others to be detained and raising questions about its scope.
