Trump signs new travel ban targeting six mostly-Muslim nations

President Trump signs a revised ban on travelers from six Muslim-majority nations — one with a reduced scope so Iraqis and permanent US residents are exempt.

The White House says Trump signed the order — which temporarily freezes new visas for Syrians, Iranians, Libyans, Somalis, Yemenis and Sudanese citizens — behind closed doors “this morning.”

The order places a 120-day freeze on all refugee arrivals.

The revised ban, which comes into effect on March 16, says the six countries are targeted because their screening and information capabilities don’t meet US security requirements.

Officials say that, unlike in the initial January 27 executive order, all pre-existing, valid visas from the six countries will be honored.

“The motivating factor here is a desire for greater security,” says a senior State Department official.

— AFP