US President Donald Trump has announced new vetting measures to “keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the US”.

He signed a wide-ranging executive order which, among other measures, bans Syrian refugees until further notice, reports the BBC.

It also put a cap of 50,000 refugees entering the US in 2017 - less than half the previous upper limit.

In a TV interview broadcast on Friday, the president said Christians would be given priority among Syrians who apply for refugee status in the future.

He signed the executive order at the Pentagon after a ceremony to swear in Gen James Mattis as defense secretary.

During the ceremony, Trump said: “I’m establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America. We only want to admit those into our country who will support our country and love deeply our people.”

The text of the order was released several hours after it was signed. Among the measures are: Suspension of the US Refugee Admissions Programme for 120 days; a ban on refugees from Syria until “significant changes” are made; a 90-day suspension on arrivals from Iraq, Syria, and countries designated “areas of concern”; to prioritize future refugee applications on the basis of religious-based persecution - but only if the person is part of a minority religion in their home country; a cap of 50,000 refugees in 2017 - less than half of Obama’s upper limit.

However, a mention of creating “safe zones” within Syria, seen in an earlier draft, was removed from the final order.

The order also said all immigration programs should include questions to “evaluate the applicant’s likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society.”

BDST: 0908 HRS, JAN 28, 2017
SR