SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz says President Donald Trump’s ban on travelers from seven Muslim-majority nations was rushed but he thinks it singles out “the right countries” and doesn’t target people based on their religion.
Chaffetz made the comments after meeting with a dozen Muslim leaders in Salt Lake City Wednesday night.
Muslim leaders told the Republican congressmen that the 18 to 36 month screening process refugees already go through is not an issue. Islamic Society of Greater Salt Lake president Dr. Salman Masud told the congressman that Trump’s policy was not vetted.
Chaffetz says there are people from every religion seeking to come to the U.S “and do us harm” but the process of welcoming immigrants and refugees to the country could be improved. He says if Trump imposes a “religious litmus test,” he’ll push back.
