Trump insists 'this is not a Muslim ban' as outrage grows

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Europe

‍US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his executive order temporarily halting travel from seven majority-Muslim countries was "not a Muslim ban," despite massive protests, global outrage, legal challenges and confusion about it.

"This is not about religion -- this is about terror and keeping our country safe," he said in a statement, “We will again be issuing visas to all countries once we are sure we have reviewed and implemented the most secure policies over the next 90 days."

His defense came in the form of an official written statement issued by the White House, a rare move for a president who has favored speaking directly to his audience via Twitter, while his executive order has been widely condemned.

Attorney generals from 16 US states, including California and New York, on Sunday condemned Trump's executive order on immigration as "unconstitutional" and vowed to fight it.

As the legality of the temporary ban is reviewed and numerous foreign citizens were detained at airports, protests continue in the US.

Throngs of protesters poured into John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York on Sunday to show support for immigrants impacted by Trump's contentious travel restrictions.

Similar protests have been taking place in Washington, California, San Francisco and across the United States.

Several world leaders and governments have hit out at the immigration restrictions.

"This has revealed the fear of this administration, which is afraid of its own shadow. It has also exposed their brutally racist manner hidden behind a demagogic veneer that pretends to be pro-democracy and pro-human rights. A country that enjoys powerful security does not make such decisions with fear and anxiety," said the speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Ali Larijani, on Saturday.

UK Prime Minister Theresa May said on Sunday that "we do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking," while characterizing US immigration as a matter for Washington to decide.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini pledged the bloc would "continue to support, welcome and take care of those who flee from war.”

Angela Merkel's spokesman said the German chancellor "regrets the entry ban" and "is convinced that even in the necessarily resolute battle against terrorism, it is not justified to place people from a certain origin or belief under general suspicion."

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said, "Welcoming refugees who are fleeing war is part of our duty," and "this decision can only cause us concern."

Swedish Foreign Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Margot Wallstrom called the decision "deeply unfortunate." “This decision increases mistrust and tensions between people. Not since World War II have so many people fled war and conflict," she wrote.

Trump's decision is "wrong," according to Swiss Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Burkhalter said. "We have always been opposed to discrimination against human beings on the basis of religion or nationality. In that sense, the US order clearly goes in the wrong direction," he said.

Canadian Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said at a news conference on Sunday that Canada would offer temporary residence permits to people stranded in the country as a result of the travel ban. Hussen did not condemn the US measure but stressed that Canada would continue to pursue an immigration policy based on "compassion" while at the same time protecting the security of its citizens.

(With inputs from AFP)