President Donald Trump’s sudden travel ban, following the terrorist attack in Colorado has left many innocent travellers stranded (“Trump’s new travel ban goes into effect against citizens of 12 nations”, Gulf Today, June 9). The ban which was imposed without prior notice, targets citizens of Afghanistan, Haiti, Libya and other countries.
Many passengers were detained at the airport, unable to continue their journey or go back to their home. A better strategy would’ve been to conduct appropriate security and background checks and smarter vetting before immigration.
In this manner, people who pose threat could be stopped without harming thousands of innocent people. This ban sends a harsh message to those who look up to US as a land of opportunity. The answer to terrorism is not a travel ban imposed out of fear. Many of the travellers are students, families and workers who pose little or no threat.
Umm Ul Khulsum
Sharjah