International politicians, celebrities and rights groups have voiced concern at the ban ordered by President Donald Trump on the seven Muslim- majority countries, including Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen, from entering the U.S.
The U.S. court, however, has temporarily blocked part of Trump’s ban on refugees and citizens. And interestingly, Trump did not order ban on other Muslim countries with which the U.S. has “business interest”-such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, Lebanon, UAE, Turkey and Afghanistan. According to information available, currently the Trump Organization has done or pursued business in Turkey, the U.A.E., Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Azerbaijan.
In an instant reaction, Iran- one of the targeted nations- suggested it would limit issuing visas to American tourists. “Iran, to defend the dignity of the great Iranian nation, will implement the principle of reciprocity until the removal of the insulting restriction against Iranian nationals. It will apply corresponding legal, consular and political actions,” a statement of Iranian Foreign Ministry said.
Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on Sunday decried the order saying that Trump’s refugee policy contradicted America’s Christian traditions of “love thy neighbor.”
Echoing the same, German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday voiced her disapproval, calling Trump’s move “unjustified” by security concerns. “She [Angela Merkel] is convinced that even the necessary determined fight against terrorism does not justify placing people of a certain background or a certain faith under general suspicion,” a government spokesman Steffen Seibert said in Berlin.
Merkel had also expressed her concerns to Trump during a telephone call on Saturday and reminded him of the international community’s obligation under the Geneva Conventions to take in war refugees on humanitarian grounds.
On the other hand, British Prime Minister Theresa May though initially refused to condemn the policy, a spokesman for May on Sunday modified this stance saying that the British Premier was opposed to measures such as those adopted by Trump.
“Immigration policy in the United States is a matter for the government of the United States….But we do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking. If there is any impact on UK nationals, then clearly we will make representations to the US government about that,” May’s spokesman said.
Significantly, Trump found praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who likened the visa ban to Israel’s walled southern border people in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, the media report said that UK Labour laeder Jeremy Corbyn has called for Trump’s UK state visit to Britain in the summer to be cancelled for taking such step. The UK Government’s chief secretary to the Treasury, David Gauke, has described the measures as “divisive” and suggested they could “fuel terrorism”.
Not only that, the celebrities also showed support to protesters. Movie producer Judd Apatow tweeted, “He [Trump] doesn’t understand that this will lead to people in America becoming radicalized as a result of his ignorance and cruelty.”
Another celebrity Michael Moore apologized to Muslim neighbors saying: “The majority of Americans did not vote for this man.” Besides, Russell Simmons took to twitter saying, “Donald Trump’s Muslim ban is “against everything this country was founded on” calling the president “shameful.”
It is not the end! Noted musicians also have begun to speak out against Trump’s order. Tegan and Sara said: “How can you read this and not feel ill. Outraged. Terrified. Shame on anyone who supports this!”
Besides, KT Tunstall said: “I’m a green card holder, and aghast at how the administration are treating people who live in the US, contribute & pay taxes here. Besides, Emmy Rossum said: Refugees are FLEEING TERROR. They are not terrorists.”
