Donald Trump's immigration ban targeting some Muslims and refugees entering the US does not apply to green cards holders, a top White House aide said on Sunday, amid ongoing confusion and anger over the controversial crackdown.
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said that the temporary ban "doesn't include green card holders going forward," Priebus told NBC's "Meet the Press" program.
He added however that anyone travelling back and forth from the countries in question - including US citizens - would be subjected to further screening.
Priebus was asked about reports that Trump's executive order issued on Friday affected green card holders, contrary to recommendations from the Department of Homeland Security.
A green card, a document issued by the Department of Homeland Security allowing a person born outside the country to reside and work in the United States, serves as proof that its holder is a permanent resident and often is a step en route to obtaining US citizenship.
"We didn't overrule the Department of Homeland Security, as far as green card holders moving forward, it doesn't affect them," Priebus told NBC.
Regarding the impact of Trump's executive order on US citizens, he added: "I would suspect that if you're an American citizen travelling back and forth to Libya you're likely to be subjected to further questioning when you come into an airport," he said.
Priebus also suggested that the current ban - affecting travellers from Iraq, Syria, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen - could be expanded eventually.
"Perhaps other countries needed to be added to an executive order going forward - but in order to do this in a way that was expeditious, in a way that would pass muster quickly, we used the seven countries" already targeted.
Meanwhile, the US Department of Homeland Security said Sunday it would continue to enforce President Donald Trump's sweeping executive order restricting immigration, but would also comply with court orders which have partially blocked the temporary ban.
"The president's executive orders remain in place - prohibited travel will remain prohibited, and the US government retains its right to revoke visas at any time if required for national security or public safety," the agency said in a statement.
"The president's executive order affects a minor portion of international travelers, and is a first step towards re-establishing control over America's borders and national security."
But the DHS also said it would "comply with judicial orders" - presumably including a federal judge's ruling that ordered authorities not to deport refugees and other travelers detained at US borders.
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