This article is from the source 'guardian' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/live/2017/jan/29/donald-trump-us-travel-ban-refugees-airports

The article has changed 55 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 4 Version 5
World reacts to Donald Trump's US travel ban – live World reacts to Donald Trump's US travel ban – live
(35 minutes later)
11.48am GMT
11:48
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has been speaking to the Guardian’s political editor Anushka Asthana.
He said that May would be “failing British people” if she allowed Trump to come for a state visit while his policy- including an indefinite ban on Syrian refugees - remains in place.
“Donald Trump should not be welcomed to Britain while he abuses our shared values with his shameful Muslim ban and attacks on refugees’ and women’s rights,” he said.
“Theresa May would be failing the British people if she does not postpone the state visit and condemn Trump’s actions in the clearest terms. That’s what Britain expects and deserves.”
11.43am GMT
11:43
A bit more on the story that Homeland Security are going to implement the ban despite a court order from a federal judge overnight which granted a stay on deportations for people who arrived in the US with valid visas but were detained on entry.
This is the original statement from Homeland Security which says it “will continue to enforce all of President Trump’s Executive Orders in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the American people.
“President Trump’s Executive Orders remain in place—prohibited travel will remain prohibited, and the U.S. government retains its right to revoke visas at any time if required for national security or public safety..”
However the final paragraph adds: “The Department of Homeland Security will comply with judicial orders; faithfully enforce our immigration laws, and implement President Trump’s Executive Orders to ensure that those entering the United States do not pose a threat to our country or the American people.”
Here is the statement in full:
Department Of Homeland Security Response To Recent LitigationRelease Date: January 29, 2017
For Immediate ReleaseOffice of the Press SecretaryContact: 202-282-8010
WASHINGTON – The Department of Homeland Security will continue to enforce all of President Trump’s Executive Orders in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the American people. President Trump’s Executive Orders remain in place—prohibited travel will remain prohibited, and the U.S. government retains its right to revoke visas at any time if required for national security or public safety. President Trump’s Executive Order affects a minor portion of international travelers, and is a first step towards reestablishing control over America’s borders and national security.
Approximately 80 million international travelers enter the United States every year. Yesterday, less than one percent of the more than 325,000 international air travelers who arrive every day were inconvenienced while enhanced security measures were implemented. These individuals went through enhanced security screenings and are being processed for entry to the United States, consistent with our immigration laws and judicial orders.
The Department of Homeland Security will faithfully execute the immigration laws, and we will treat all of those we encounter humanely and with professionalism. No foreign national in a foreign land, without ties to the United States, has any unfettered right to demand entry into the United States or to demand immigration benefits in the United States.
The Department of Homeland Security will comply with judicial orders; faithfully enforce our immigration laws, and implement President Trump’s Executive Orders to ensure that those entering the United States do not pose a threat to our country or the American people.
My colleague Alice Ross is exploring what this will mean for those trying to enter the US from the affected countries.
11.25am GMT
11:25
The former Ukip leader Nigel Farage is now being interviewed on the BBC. He says he backs Trump’s travel ban and calls for the UK to do something similar.
“In this country I would like to see extreme vetting ... This is what Trump’s supporters want him to do.”
And for good measure he is backing Trump’s planned wall with Mexico.
Farage similarly enthusiastic on Trump's wall: “What is controversial about defending the Mexican border?".He's gone full-blown Fox News.
Updated
at 11.38am GMT
11.21am GMT
11:21
The Independent is reporting that US Homeland Security has vowed to implement the ban in the face of the court order.
Department of Homeland Security vows to enforce Donald Trump's travel bans, despite court order https://t.co/w35bLryjyb
Updated
at 11.39am GMT
11.04am GMT11.04am GMT
11:0411:04
Well Farron obviously decided not to “hedge his bets” for long.Well Farron obviously decided not to “hedge his bets” for long.
The Lib Dems have just put out a statement on behalf of their leader in which he is very clear that Trump’s planned visit should not go ahead.The Lib Dems have just put out a statement on behalf of their leader in which he is very clear that Trump’s planned visit should not go ahead.
Tim Farron, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said that Britain should put President Trump’s visit on hold until he stops banning people purely on grounds of their faith. Tim Farron, leader of the Liberal Democrats, has said that Britain should put President Trump’s visit on hold until he stops banning people purely on grounds of their faith.
Tim Farron said: “Downing Street has finally distanced itself from President Trump’s appalling ban on Muslim people after Theresa May failed to do so. By then the damage to Britain’s reputation had been done.Tim Farron said: “Downing Street has finally distanced itself from President Trump’s appalling ban on Muslim people after Theresa May failed to do so. By then the damage to Britain’s reputation had been done.
”The British people were waiting for a Love Actually moment, instead they saw our Prime Minister behaving like Trump’s poodle. “Any visit by President Trump to Britain should be on hold until his disgraceful ban comes to an end. Otherwise Theresa May would be placing the Queen in an impossible position of welcoming a man who is banning British citizens purely on grounds of their faith. “Still Boris Johnson’s Foreign Office is dithering and has provided no travel advice to British citizens who could be caught up in the ban. “When will Theresa May’s Conservative Brexit government stop costing up to unsavoury leaders and get a grip of this mounting crisis?” “The British people were waiting for a Love Actually moment, instead they saw our prime minister behaving like Trump’s poodle.
“Any visit by President Trump to Britain should be on hold until his disgraceful ban comes to an end. Otherwise Theresa May would be placing the Queen in an impossible position of welcoming a man who is banning British citizens purely on grounds of their faith.
“Still Boris Johnson’s Foreign Office is dithering and has provided no travel advice to British citizens who could be caught up in the ban.
“When will Theresa May’s Conservative Brexit government stop costing [sic] up to unsavoury leaders and get a grip of this mounting crisis?”
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.09am GMT at 11.40am GMT
11.00am GMT11.00am GMT
11:0011:00
The petition to stop Trump’s state visit to the UK planned for later this year was on a few hundred when I first spotted it this morning. Now it is nearing 16,000 and going strong.The petition to stop Trump’s state visit to the UK planned for later this year was on a few hundred when I first spotted it this morning. Now it is nearing 16,000 and going strong.
It will be interesting to see if other politicians join Corbyn in supporting the move. Lib Dem leader Tim Farron appeared to duck the question on Marr this morning: It will be interesting to see if other politicians join Corbyn in supporting the move. The Lib Dem leader, Tim Farron, appeared to duck the question on Marr this morning:
I thought the offer of a state visit was hasty, particularly given the things he’s been coming out with recently. My view is, of course you should engage with people like that. But there’s a massive difference between engaging with Donald Trump and effectively giving succour to the kind of things that he’s coming out with.I thought the offer of a state visit was hasty, particularly given the things he’s been coming out with recently. My view is, of course you should engage with people like that. But there’s a massive difference between engaging with Donald Trump and effectively giving succour to the kind of things that he’s coming out with.
Updated
at 11.41am GMT
10.54am GMT10.54am GMT
10:5410:54
Here is the Wall Street Journal’s Berlin correspondent on Merkel’s stance.Here is the Wall Street Journal’s Berlin correspondent on Merkel’s stance.
Merkel calls US travel ban unjustified. Her spokesman's full statement, a quick translation: pic.twitter.com/FQTOYkqrjsMerkel calls US travel ban unjustified. Her spokesman's full statement, a quick translation: pic.twitter.com/FQTOYkqrjs
10.51am GMT10.51am GMT
10:5110:51
A bit more detail on Angela Merkel’s stance on the US travel ban.A bit more detail on Angela Merkel’s stance on the US travel ban.
According to the AFP new agency her spokesman Steffen Seibert said: “The chancellor regrets the entry ban imposed by the US government against refugees and nationals from certain countries.According to the AFP new agency her spokesman Steffen Seibert said: “The chancellor regrets the entry ban imposed by the US government against refugees and nationals from certain countries.
“She 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.”“She 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.”
The German government “will now examine the consequences” of the ban for German citizens with dual nationality affected by the decision, he added.The German government “will now examine the consequences” of the ban for German citizens with dual nationality affected by the decision, he added.
UpdatedUpdated
at 11.13am GMTat 11.13am GMT
10.29am GMT10.29am GMT
10:2910:29
There appears to be a growing momentum behind calls to stop Trump coming to the UK for a full state visit in the summer.There appears to be a growing momentum behind calls to stop Trump coming to the UK for a full state visit in the summer.
A formal petition has been launched here and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has voiced his concerns on Twitter.A formal petition has been launched here and former Liberal Democrat leader Paddy Ashdown has voiced his concerns on Twitter.
Am I alone in finding it impossible to bear that in pursuit of her deeply wrong-headed policies our PM is now forcing THAT MAN on our Queen?Am I alone in finding it impossible to bear that in pursuit of her deeply wrong-headed policies our PM is now forcing THAT MAN on our Queen?
Former Labour leadership candidate Chuka Umunna has just added his voice, saying Trump should not be allowed to come until the travel ban is overturned.Former Labour leadership candidate Chuka Umunna has just added his voice, saying Trump should not be allowed to come until the travel ban is overturned.
10.23am GMT10.23am GMT
10:2310:23
German chancellor Angela Merkel has issued a strong rebuttal of the US travel ban. The German chancellor, Angela Merkel, has issued a strong rebuttal of the US travel ban.
German Chancellor Merkel: it is "not justified to put people from specific background or faith under general suspicion" to combat terrorismGerman Chancellor Merkel: it is "not justified to put people from specific background or faith under general suspicion" to combat terrorism
10.15am GMT
10:15
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn is now being interviewed on ITV by Robert Peston. He reiterates his “total opposition” to the travel ban which he says represents a fundamental attack on key tenets of the Geneva Convention.
And he says Trump’s planned visit to the UK later this year should be put on hold until the ban is lifted.
UpdatedUpdated
at 10.23am GMT at 11.43am GMT
10.07am GMT
10:07
More from Iraqi born Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi. According to Sky News he fears his sons who study in the US will not be able to re-enter the country.
Conservative MP Nadhim Zahawi who was born in Iraq says his sons study in the U.S. and he fears they may not be able to re-enter the country
10.03am GMT
10:03
London mayor Sadiq Khan has issued a damning statement on Trump’s travel ban, saying it “flies in the face of US values of freedom and tolerance.”
President Trump’s ban on refugees and immigrants from certain countries is shameful and cruel.
The USA has a proud history of welcoming and resettling refugees. The President can’t just turn his back on this global crisis - all countries need to play their part.
While every country has the right to set its own immigration policies, this new policy flies in the face of the values of freedom and tolerance that the USA was built upon.
I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has now said she and the government do not agree with President Trump’s policy, which will affect many British citizens who have dual nationality, including Londoners born in countries affected by the ban.
I will work with the government on behalf of Londoners affected.
As a nation that, like the USA, values tolerance, diversity and freedom, we cannot just shrug our shoulders and say: ‘It’s not our problem’.
9.51am GMT
09:51
The UK government has sent out David Gauke, chief secretary to the treasury, to defend its position.
He insists May was right not to condemn the travel ban earlier adding the government will now make representations to the US on behalf of Britons caught up in the ban.
Gauke says the UK has a relationship with the Trump administration thanks to May’s trip which will give the UK more influence.
9.41am GMT
09:41
Next up on Marr was Harriet Harman. My colleague Rowena Mason has just sent this through:
Harriet Harman, former acting Labour leader said it was important as British prime minister that May went to the US to meet the new president.
However she added: “I was apprehensive as we know Donald Trump is misogynist and xenophobic and stands against so many British values, so I was very dismayed when I saw her holding his hand... And then I was horrified when he announced this ban and three times she said it was nothing to do with me. Well it to do with us She obviously needs to be careful as PM but she needs to be strong as well.
“I was really disappointed and hope she has learned some lessons. She has got to learn that she has got to stand up for things and can’t just be cautious and just come out against something when she is pushed, because we are in a vulnerable position economically looking for trade deals, it must not make her feel weak, she has got to be politically strong.”
Updated
at 10.06am GMT
9.35am GMT
09:35
Iraq born Tory MP Nadhim Zahawi has voiced his anger and opposition to the ban on the BBC’s Marr show this morning saying he would no longer be able to travel to the US.
He said that for the first time in his life he felt discriminated against, adding “it’s demeaning, it’s sad.”
He said the ban would hit hundreds of thousands of Britons who were born in the countries included in the ban and warned it would boost Islamic extremists: “it plays into their ideology. It is counter productive” and ruined the US’s reputation as a haven for refugees and those fleeing persecution
On Saturday night he retweeted this in an apparent dig at Tory leader Theresa May’s initial reluctance to condemn the ban.
pic.twitter.com/FBcM28Nkzf
On Marr Zahawi said he welcomed May’s subsequent announcement that she did not agree with Trump adding he hoped the US would see sense and overturn the decision.
9.16am GMT
09:16
Moustafa Bayoumi, associate professor of English at Brooklyn College, City University of New York has given a damning verdict on Trump’s ban.
He says it “is nothing short of a Muslim ban by another name. It is cruel and callous, espouses positions contrary to the professed values of the United States, and will certainly produce more problems than it purports to solve. In other words, it’s exactly like Donald Trump.”
Read the full piece here.
9.04am GMT
09:04
The travel ban has provoked huge protests some airports across the US. The biggest appears to have been at JFK airport in New York where thousands of people gathered to voice their opposition, chanting “Refugees are welcome here. No hate no fear - immigrants are welcome here
The Guardian has a picture gallery of the demonstrations here.
8.53am GMT
08:53
Among those to condemn Trump’s move was Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau.
In a series of tweets Trudeau underscored his government’s commitment to bringing in “those fleeing persecution, terror & war”.
To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada
Within hours Trudeau’s tweets had been shared more than 300,000 times.
In the US, there was horror among groups that work with refugees and migrants. Thanu Yakupitiyage, a spokeswoman for the New York Immigration Coalition, told the Observer: “This is dehumanising. I am livid. It’s outrageous. People are in a state of shock.”
Immigration policy analyst David Bier, from the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, described Trump’s order as “illegal” as it appeared to target a religious group. The Council on American-Islamic Relations said it would issue a court challenge on Monday, claiming that the new entry rules target Muslims because of their faith and therefore contravene the constitutional right to freedom of religion.
In the UK Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn condemned the ban and Theresa May’s reaction to it.
“President Trump’s executive order against refugees and Muslims should shock and appal us all.” He said May should have stood up for “Britain and our values by condemning his actions. It should sadden our country that she chose not to.
“After Trump’s hideous actions and May’s weak failure to condemn them, it’s more important than ever for us to say to refugees seeking a place of safety that they will always be welcome in Britain.”
Sarah Wollaston, chair of the Commons health select committee, said Trump must not be invited to address both Houses of Parliament from Westminster Hall on his state visit later this year, pointedly insisting that “those who wish to fawn over him” should do so elsewhere.
Scottish Tory leader Ruth Davidson said the ban was “both wrong in itself and very worrying for the future”.
8.37am GMT
08:37
Good morning. Welcome to the Guardian liveblog following the developments and reaction to Donald’s Trump’s US travel ban for people from several muslim-majority counties.
Here is a quick summary of what we know so far:
Donald Trump’s decision to ban immigration from a string of Muslim-majority nations has sparked fury and anguish around the world as refugees and migrants were prevented from boarding flights to the US.
The executive order which halts travel from seven Muslim-majority countries - Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen- has received global condemnation and led to chaos at US airports.
A homeland security spokesman said that green card holders – in effect, permanent residents – will also be covered by the ban, while a senior White House official indicated it was likely to be extended to other countries.
A state department spokesman confirmed that travellers from the named countries who have dual nationality will not be able to enter the US for 90 days. Members of religious minorities from those countries will, however, be granted immigration priority.
In the US a federal judge granted a stay on deportations for people who arrived in the US with valid visas but were detained on entry. The stay is only a partial block to the broader executive order, with the judge stopping short of a broader ruling on its constitutionality. Nevertheless, it was an early, significant blow to the new administration.
In the UK prime minister Theresa May was forced to issue a late-night statement saying she “does not agree” with Trump’s ban after coming under intense political pressure to condemn the order.
The statement is unlikely to be strong enough to satisfy many of the MPs expressing outrage about Trump’s move is also facing questions about why she took so long to respond to the controversy, which has soured her trip to visit Trump on Friday which Downing Street had regarded as a success.
Updated
at 8.40am GMT