President Trump ends temporary ban on refugee admissions to US
Washington, October 25: The Trump administration on Tuesday resumed the US refugee programme after a 120-day ban. Notably, United States President Donald Trump signed an executive order ending a temporary ban on refugee admissions to America, while calling for a 90-day review of the program for 11 countries his administration has deemed “high risk”.
The Department of Homeland Security released a statement that said, “The measures come at the end of a 120-day “pause” on refugee resettlement, while the United States government conducted a thorough review of the existing program.”
Acting Secretary of Homeland Security Elaine Duke said, “The security of the American people is this administration’s highest priority, and these improved vetting measures are essential for American security.” “These new, standardized screening measures provide an opportunity for the United States to welcome those in need into our country while ensuring a safer, more secure homeland,” he added.
On the other side, the White House declined, however, to name the 11 countries that would be subject to a new 90-day review, saying only that applicants from those countries would be considered on a case-by-case basis.
President Trump had previously suspended the processing of all refugees to the US for a period of 120 days as part of a previous executive order, issued in tandem with his travel ban on several Muslim-majority countries. The measures were a part of the administration’s effort to raise national security standards for all persons traveling to the United States, and they are designed to intensify screening in order to keep nefarious and fraudulent actors from exploiting the refugee process to enter the United States.
BACKGROUND:
President Donald Trump in the month of March this year signed a revised executive order barring travelers from six Muslim-majority countries to the United States or three months, and all refugees for four months. These countries are Iran, Libya, Syria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. Last month, he extended travel ban by barring entry to immigrants from Chad, Iran, North Korea, Venezuela.
