FRANCE, January 31: At least 21 passengers from Muslim countries were barred from boarding an Air France flight to New York on Saturday after President Donald Trump halted the entry of citizens from seven Muslim-majority countries.
A statement issued by the airline says that Air France was informed Saturday by the US government of the new restrictions, and had no choice but to stop the passengers from boarding US-bound flights.
Trump on Friday put a four-month hold on allowing refugees into
the United States and temporarily barred travelers from Syria and six other Muslim-majority countries, saying the moves would help protect Americans from terrorist attacks.
He said his most sweeping use of his presidential powers since taking office a week ago, barring travelers from the seven nations for at least 90 days, would give his administration time to develop more stringent screening procedures for refugees, immigrants and visitors.
The bans, though temporary, took effect immediately, causing havoc and confusion for would-be travelers with passports from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. -DNA
