Trump Administration to Allow 872 Refugees Into U.S. This Week

By Luke Leung 31 Jan, 2017 14:42 EST

The U.S. government has granted waivers to 872 refugees to allow them entry into the nation this week, despite President Donald Trump's executive order on Friday banning entry of refugees from any country.

A Homeland Security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the waivers to Reuters, noting that the refugees were considered "in transit" and had already been cleared for resettlement before the ban took effect.

The waivers were granted by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security.

On Tuesday, Kevin McAleenan, acting commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), said that CBP agents granted waivers to 1,060 green card holders from the countries affected by Trump's order, allowing them to enter the country after additional screening. Meanwhile, more than 500,000 foreigners flew into the country in the 72 hours following Trump's order.

McAleenan said 75 waivers were granted to other visa holders, including translators who have worked with the U.S. military in Iraq and Afghanistan, the USA Today reported.

McAleen said 721 travelers were stopped from boarding planes in foreign countries headed for the U.S., and some were stopped because airlines "over-interpreted" CBP orders.

Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly said they will continue implementing Trump's order, but stressed that they are abiding by emergency rulings issued by federal judges over the weekend.

"We are all will continue to be in compliance with judicial orders," Kelly said, adding that the executive order "is not a ban on Muslims."

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Trump Administration to Allow 872 Refugees Into U.S. This Week

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.

Survey: Hong Kong teens generally identify with traditional Chinese cultural values

Global Lutherans celebrate Reformation Day, ‘trusting in the power of grace in a merciless time’.

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues

2.1M Korean Christians estimated at joint worship service to affirm family, oppose gay marriage, pray for nation

Many American churchgoers expect their pastors’ sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues
American churchgoers are looking for more than biblical explanation from their pastor each week. Many expect the sermons to help them understand and address modern cultural issues.