A few days after Donald Trump swore-in as the 45th President of the United States of America, the Presidential administration has acknowledged putting Pakistan into the controversial immigration ban list. As confirmed by White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus, the ban, which restricts refugees, migrants and green-card holders from seven Muslim-dominated nations, could extend to Pakistan in the near future. Seven nations are already on this ban list – Syria, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, and Libya.
He said,”The seven countries included in the ban list were identified by both the Congress and Obama administration as the most nations with dangerous terrorism taking place in their country,” in an interview given to American Media.
He further said,”Now the countries with the same problems, like Pakistan and others, would be considered. But we need to consider it further. But as of now, pulling the band-aid off, is to do further vetting for people travelling in and out of those countries.”
As per President Trump’s order, travellers from Pakistan and Afganistan are subject to extreme vetting in the United States. However, the US has been home for numerous Pakistani-Americans and Pakistani Permanent residents.
“These countries nurture and train terrorists. These are the countries that we want to know who is coming and going in and out of, to prevent calamities from happening in this country,” he said.
“We are not willing to be wrong on this subject. President Trump is not willing to take chances on this subject. He was elected president in many respects because people knew that he was going to be tough on immigration from countries that harbor terrorists,” the White House Chief of Staff added.
The US Department of Homeland Security has said that it would continue to enforce the order but comply with the court’s order.
This initiative from Donald Trump has received huge criticism from the other political leaders and human right activists. Protests have also staged against the Trump Administration in many parts of United States. A federal judge blocked part of the ban and ordered authorities to stop deporting refugees and other travelers stuck at US airports.
