Trump signs revised travel ban, exempts Iraqi citizens

REUTERS photo

U.S. President Donald Trump signed a revised ban on refugees and on travelers from six Muslim-majority nations Monday, scaling back the order to exempt Iraqis and permanent US residents.

With his first attempt frozen by federal courts, Trump signed a second order suspending refugee admissions for 120 days and halting new visas for travelers from Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Yemen and Sudan.

The White House said Trump - who is embroiled in controversy over his aides’ links to Russia and his own Twitter outbursts - signed the order behind closed doors Monday morning.

The new order comes into effect on March 16 and is meant to address legal problems. It explicitly exempts Iraqis, legal permanent residents and valid visa holders.

“The principles of the executive order remain the same,” said White House spokesman Sean Spicer.

Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, one of three cabinet members rolled out to present the order in Trump’s absence, described it as “a vital measure” for strengthening national security.

Attorney General Jeff Sessions added that it “provides a needed pause” allowing a review of how America deals with travelers from “countries of concern.”  

“Three of these nations are state sponsors of terrorism,” Sessions said, referring to Iran, Sudan and Syria.
He added that others had served as “safe havens” for terror operatives.

Critics questioned the composition of the list, which includes citizens from countries that have never been involved in terror attacks in the United States.

Non-governmental groups accused Trump of covertly pursuing his controversial and possibly illegal campaign promise of a “total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States.” 

The question of Trump’s intent is likely to dominate new legal challenges that are already being flagged by organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union.

“President Trump has recommitted himself to religious discrimination, and he can expect continued disapproval from both the courts and the people,” said Omar Jadwat, director of the ACLU’s Immigrant Rights Project.

Senate Democratic leader Chuck Schumer said the measure should be repealed, adding: “A watered down ban is still a ban.” Dozens of protesters rallied outside the White House on Monday night, holding signs with messages like “Fight ignorance, not immigrants.”

Caroline Short, 29, rejected the idea that the ban would make America safer.

“Totally ridiculous... It will be used as a tool for people that want to say America hates Muslims,” she said.

Trump’s first order had sparked a legal, political and logistical furor.  There was chaos at major airports and mass protests while several district courts moved to block its implementation and lawmakers expressed opposition.

The troubled rollout also dominated the first weeks of the new administration, leaving many with the impression that it was badly planned and badly implemented. Polls show American public opinion is deeply divided on the issue. Most indicate a slight majority of voters opposed, with strong support among Trump’s political base.