Trump strengthens security measures for traveling to U.S.

WASHINGTON, Sept 25 (KUNA) -- U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the establishment of enhanced national security measures aimed at creating "for the first time in history, minimum requirements for international cooperation to support visa and immigration vetting and adjudications for individuals seeking entry to the United States." "Following an extensive review by the Department of Homeland Security, we are taking action today to protect the safety and security of the American people by establishing a minimum security baseline for entry into the United States," Trump said in a proclamation.
He stressed "we cannot afford to continue the failed policies of the past, which present an unacceptable danger to our country." He added "my highest obligation is to ensure the safety and security of the American people, and in issuing this new travel order, I am fulfilling that sacred obligation." The White House noted in a statement that "most countries in the world now meet the new baseline, which is an important element of ensuring our security," where the U.S. shared the new requirements with foreign governments in July during which "they were warned that failure to comply would have consequences and were given 50 days to work with the United States to make improvements." According to the statement, some countries "are not yet in compliance with the new baseline, or have remained willfully non-compliant," and that accordingly "tailored travel restrictions" have been approved by the President "to keep our country safe and encourage countries to meet our baseline requirements." "These restrictions will help prevent potential terrorists and criminals from reaching our shores. These visa restrictions will also put pressure on foreign governments to live up to their obligations by enhancing security and sharing essential information with the United States," the statement stressed.
It indicated that countries that "do not adequately adhere to the new requirements" include Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen.
Trump has also determined that "while Iraq did not meet the baseline, entry restrictions are not warranted under the September 24 proclamation," but that nationals of Iraq who are traveling to the U.S. "be subject to additional scrutiny." In addition, Somalia, while it "generally satisfies the minimum information-sharing requirements, it presents special circumstances that warrant specific restrictions and security enhancements to protect the American people." "The restrictions being imposed on these eight countries are conditional and may be lifted as they work with the United States Government to ensure the safety of Americans," the statement noted. "As President, I must act to protect the security and interests of the United States and its people," Trump remarked in the proclamation. (end) si.tg