Malacañang respects Trump immigration ban

The Philippine government respects President Donald Trump's order that halts the entry of refugees into the United States and temporarily bars travellers from seven Muslim countries, a Palace official said Sunday.
In an interview over dzRB, Assistant Secretary Ana Marie Banaag said imposing such restriction is the US' "right."
"[W]e respect the policy of the United States of America if they have prohibitions or they would be banning people from entering their country because that is their right," she said.
Banaag noted that they have consulted the Philippine embassy in Washington, D.C., on the matter, and would issue a comment on it after officials there have studied the order, including its parameters.
Signed Saturday (Philippine time), Trump's sweeping executive order suspends the arrival of refugees in the US for at least four months.
It also bars visas for travelers from seven Muslim majority countries, including Syria, for the next three months.
Gillian Christensen of the US Homeland Security said Trump's order also covers green card holders.
Christensen said green card holders would need additional screening before they are allowed to re-enter the US.
Trump's order has sparked resistance, with demonstrations held at major airports there. A federal judge blocked part of the ban, ordering authorities to stop deporting refugees and other travelers stuck at US airports.
Banaag said that they will "let the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) negotiate" should the ban affect Filipino travelers to the US.
She noted, however: "They have naman the visa, 'di ba? They have regulations on who are qualified to go to their country." —Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/ALG, GMA News

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