NEW: BuzzFeed News has obtained documents -- including a draft presidential proclamation -- that show the Trump administration has been preparing to expand the travel ban.
Story: buzzfeednews.com/article/hameda…
Story: buzzfeednews.com/article/hameda…
he draft materials obtained by BuzzFeed News do not contain the names of the countries being considered for restrictions, but the proclamation includes seven slots that contain descriptors for each nation and varied restrictions.
While the countries are not listed, the descriptions included do list some indicators. Several countries are listed as not providing the US with “identity information” and presenting a “risk” of “terrorist travel.”
ALSO DO NOTE:
Draft materials state that the restrictions would impact “approximately 2.5% of all immigrant visas issued by the U.S. Department of State.”
Draft materials state that the restrictions would impact “approximately 2.5% of all immigrant visas issued by the U.S. Department of State.”
The restrictions in the draft proclamation are different:
Five of the country slots in the proclamation would have travel "as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants, is herby suspended." Two other countries would have their nationals banned from obtaining “diversity visas."
Five of the country slots in the proclamation would have travel "as immigrants, except as Special Immigrants, is herby suspended." Two other countries would have their nationals banned from obtaining “diversity visas."
I also obtained DHS materials drafted in preparation for the proclamation to be issued for engagement w/ the media.
It shows that DHS is aware of questions about targeting Muslim-majority countries:
It shows that DHS is aware of questions about targeting Muslim-majority countries:
The doc appears to be a set of questions the agency predicts it will receive as the proclamation is announced and includes questions like “why are these countries facing travel restrictions?” and why the new restrictions include fewer visa categories than the initial travel ban.
H/t @AP for reporting the consideration of the expansion today and @priscialva for raising this as a possibility in October.
Do note that what we have are draft materials and it's unclear whether these restrictions will be enforced.
Do note that what we have are draft materials and it's unclear whether these restrictions will be enforced.
