Department of Homeland Security: President Trump's executive order affects minor portion of international travelers

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Sunday, January 29, 2017
President Donald Trump signs an executive order for border security and immigration enforcement improvements at the Department of Homeland Security in Washington.
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The Department of Homeland Security has issued a statement in response to President Donald Trump's executive orders and a judge's emergency order.

Trump on Friday suspended all refugee admissions to the U.S. for four months and banned the entry of Syrian refugees indefinitely pending a security review meant to ensure terrorists cannot slip through vetting. Trump also issued a 90-day ban on all entry to the U.S. from seven Muslim-majority countries with terrorism concerns, including Syria.

On Saturday night, a federal judge issued an emergency order temporarily barring the U.S. from deporting people from nations subject to Trump's travel ban, saying travelers who had been detained had a strong argument that their legal rights had been violated.

The DHS' statement reads:

"Department of Homeland Security response to recent litigation:

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."

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.