WATCH: Former US Ambassador says immigration ban not directed at Kurds

A former American diplomat recently said the US’ immigration ban was not directed at Kurds specifically amid discussions involving the issue of visas.
kurdistan24.net

WASHINGTON DC, United States (Kurdistan24) – A former American diplomat recently said the US’ immigration ban was not directed at Kurds specifically, amid discussions involving the issue of visas.

Zalmay Khalilzad, the former United States Ambassador to the United Nations, spoke to Kurdistan24 about President Donald Trump’s recent executive order regarding immigration.

“As far as the visa issue is concerned, the Kurds have to understand that this is not really directed at them although they will be affected,” Khalilzad said.

The former US Ambassador emphasized the new US administration was “worried about terrorism,” and the immigration ban was an opportunity to “strengthen American defenses against terrorism.”

Khalilzad added President Trump had promised to tackle the issue of terrorism, and this involved the reviewing of procedures regarding immigrants entering the US.

Khalilzad mentioned he had hoped Kurdistan wasn’t included in the immigration ban because of the US’ “partnership with the Kurds.”

The former US Ambassador pointed to debates and discussions that would follow the temporary ban and said it would allow the US to understand what was needed to change to increase security.

 

Editing by Ava Homa

(Rahim Rashidi conducted the interview in Washington, DC)