Amnesty International: US Muslim ban dangerous, discriminatory

“This guidance shows a cruel indifference to families, some already torn apart by war and horrifying levels of violence. It also defines close family relationships in a way that ignores the reality in many cultures, where grandparents, cousins, and in-laws are often extremely close. Separating families based on these definitions is simply heartless. It further proves the callous and discriminatory nature of Trump’s Muslim ban,” the statement reads.

“The president wanted a complete and total shutdown of Muslims entering this country and, unfortunately, today he is able to take one step in that direction. It’s time for Congress to step in and end the effects of this bigoted ban once and for all.”

According to dispatches, President Trump’s travel ban took effect at 8 p.m. ET Thursday.

The new rules tighten visa policies affecting citizens from six majority Muslim nations: Sudan, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, and Yemen. People from those countries who need new visas will now have to prove a close family relationship or an existing relationship with an entity like a school or business in the United States.

Citizens of those countries who already have visas will be allowed into the US as usual.

In December 2015, after a deadly militant attack in Paris claimed by the ISIL group, then-candidate Trump called for “a total and complete shutdown of Muslims entering the United States”.

When Trump signed a 27 January executive order banning the entry of citizens from Yemen, Somalia, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan and Libya, including permanent US residents, it was seen as an implementation of his campaign promise.

But when challenged in courts on grounds of religious discrimination, the administration denied that the executive order is faith-based.

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