Trump ordered suspension of the refugee admission program and vetoes citizens of seven Islamic countries
US President Donald Trump on Friday ordered the suspension of the refugee admission program and the veto of citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries, saying the measure was necessary to protect the country from “Islamic terrorists” Radicals .” On a visit to the Pentagon, where he signed the order, he said the decree tightens conditions for entry into the US and requires a kind of loyalty test to the country.
“We do not want them here, and we want to make sure that we are not admitting the same threats in the country that our soldiers are fighting outside the United States,” he said. “We only want to admit in our country those who support our country and deeply love our people.”
According to the text published by the White House, the issue of visas for citizens of seven countries is suspended for 90 days: Iran, Sudan, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Iraq. Iran, Sudan, and Syria are on the list of countries that are financing terrorism. The others, apart from Syria, go through internal conflicts that have led to the advance of terrorist groups such as the Islamic State and Al Qaeda. The veto may become permanent for some countries, as the decree requires their governments to comply with conditions set by the US and to provide information.
A country like Iran, with which tension with the US should only increase under Trump, will hardly cooperate. In the campaign, Trump vowed to veto the entry of all Muslims if elected, accused of racist and going against the Constitution. Since then, the promise has been limited until it reaches the seven countries. The decree, called “Protecting the nation from terrorist attacks by foreigners,” justifies the suspension because these countries are foci of terrorism, extending suspicion to all citizens of those nationalities.
“The deterioration of conditions in certain countries due to war, disasters, conflicts and instabilities increases the likelihood that terrorists will use every possible means to enter our country,” the document said.
DEFENSE
Before the signing of the decrees, Trump participated in the possession of Secretary of Defense, General James Mattis. The nomination was received with relief from both Republicans and Democrats for giving a touch of balance to the government to counterbalance Trump’s views. Mattis was passed in the Senate by 98 votes to one.
At first, he has been cited by Trump as a moderation factor, saying that he considers the use of torture efficient, but that the opinion contrary to the practice already manifested by the general will prevail.
“He’s a specialist, he’s highly respected, I think it works,” Trump said, contradicting his party’s leadership position. Torture was considered illegal by Congress in 2015.
“I’ve been open about this for a long time, but I go with my leaders.” While his approval ratings are among the worst among early presidents, Trump is in tune with what most Americans feel when he focuses on terrorism. According to a survey by the Pew Center, the terrorist threat is the biggest concern, ahead of the economy, education, and jobs, the research shows. The decree suspends the refugee admission program for 120 days, but Trump said priority would be given to Christian refugees from the Arab country, saying they were discriminated against by the previous government on behalf of Muslims. It was one more Trump action breaking with the predecessor’s government, Barack Obama, among the 14 decrees he signed in a presidential week. For Senate Democratic opposition leader Chuck Schumer, the restrictions imposed by Trump are “retrograde and sordid.”
“Tears are falling on the face of the statue of liberty, while the great American tradition of welcoming immigrants since the foundation is run over,” said the senator.
