US President Donald Trump issued a new travel ban Monday. This version limits travel for citizens of six Muslim majority countries: Iran, Syria, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Libya. Iraq was left off in recognition of its role in fighting the Islamic State.
It was a low-key roll-out compared to his previous attempt. Trump signed the executive order in private, and sent Homeland Secretary John Kelly, Secretary of State Rex Tillerson, and Attorney-General Jeff Sessions out to officially announce it.
The new order narrows the scope from seven to six countries, and places a 90 day time limit. It doesn’t apply to people from the affected countries who hold green cards. It suspends the U.S. refugee program for six months (120 days). The amount of refugees will be capped at 50,000 for the 2017 fiscal year after the suspension ends.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham voiced his support in a CBC article. “I believe the new order will withstand legal challenges as it’s drafted in a fashion as to not be a religious ban, but a ban on individuals coming from compromised governments, and failed states.” The order will take effect March 16, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. ET.
Canadian Landed Immigrants Granted Exception
Landed immigrants in Canada are granted an exception. The order reads: “the foreign national is a landed Canadian Immigrant who applies for a visa at a location within Canada.” The issue will be up for discussion at the next cabinet meeting.
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