Donald Trump has defended strict travel restrictions placed on people from seven Muslim-majority nations, saying they will prevent a "horrible mess" in the US.
President Trump's controversial executive order for "extreme vetting" means no visas are being issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
The ban, which is also affecting legal US citizens who were born in these countries, has been denounced as "divisive" and "shameful".
But Mr Trump has defended the measure in an apparent reference to recent terror attacks across Europe.
He tweeted: "Our country needs strong borders and extreme vetting, NOW. Look what is happening all over Europe and, indeed, the world - a horrible mess!"
America's immigration system was plunged into disarray in the wake of the executive order.
Some green card holders flying home to the US were taken into custody at airports upon arrival - with dozens of immigration lawyers attempting to help the stranded.
A judge ruled that those who had already landed in the US with valid visas could be temporarily allowed to stay in the country.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which won the federal district court judgment, said the ruling proved "we are a democratic republic where the powers of government are not dictatorial".
As of Saturday night, customs and border protection officials had denied entry to more than 170 people.
Others who were about to board flights back to the US were told they could not travel - and the Department of Homeland Security contacted airlines recommending them to deny boarding to certain passengers.
White House Chief of Staff Reince Priebus said the implementation of the order "wasn't chaos", adding that 109 travellers were detained across the US on Saturday.
He told NBC the "couple dozen" that are still being held would likely be released later on Sunday.
Enforcement of the executive order for those landing in the States was described as patchy and disorganised, and some American airports were more lenient than others.
The ban sparked protests at airports in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.
It has also created uncertainty for refugees who were about to begin a new life in the States, as all resettlements have been suspended for at least 120 days while tougher vetting rules are established. Syrian refugees have been specifically barred from the US indefinitely.
One aid organisation said it knew of 2,000 refugees who had been scheduled to relocate to the US next week.
Washington governor Jay Inslee, speaking at Seattle-Tacoma Airport, condemned the "chaos and cruelty" of Mr Trump's policy.
Signing the order into force on Friday, the President said it was a necessary step to stop "radical Islamic terrorists" from coming to the US and stressed the decree was "not a Muslim ban".
Mr Trump has faced condemnation from leaders around the world, with German Chancellor Angela Merkel saying the fight against terrorism "doesn't justify putting people of a particular origin or particular faith under general suspicion".
American technology giants have also responded furiously to the immigration clampdown.
In an apparent reference to Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian immigrant, Apple chief executive Tim Cook said the tech firm "would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do."
Airbnb co-founder Brian Chesky has pledged free housing "to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US".
Meanwhile, Google has urged its employees from the seven countries affected to cancel any travel plans outside the US.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
Trump's immigration ban sparks 'chaos and cruelty' worldwide
America's immigration system has been plunged into chaos and confusion in the wake of strict travel restrictions on people from seven Muslim-majority nations.
President Trump's sweeping executive order for "extreme vetting" means no visas are being issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
But the ban is also affecting permanent, legal US citizens who were born in these countries. Those who were not on American soil when the decree came into effect are not able to re-enter for three months - separating them from their families and putting their jobs at risk.
Some green card holders who were flying home to the US when the executive order was signed have been taken into custody at airports upon arrival - with dozens of immigration lawyers attempting to help the stranded.
A judge has ruled those who have already landed in the US with valid visas can be temporarily allowed to stay in the country.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which won the federal district court judgment, said the ruling proved "we are a democratic republic where the powers of government are not dictatorial".
As of Saturday night, customs and border protection officials had denied entry to more than 170 people.
Others who were about to board flights back to America have been told they cannot travel - and the Homeland Security Department has been contacting airlines and recommending them to deny boarding to certain passengers.
Enforcement of the executive order for those landing in the States has been described as patchy and disorganised, and some American airports have been more lenient than others.
According to the executive order, exceptions can be made when it is in the "national interest", but one federal law enforcement official said: "It's unclear at this point what the threshold of the national interest is."
The International Air Transport Association has been told that the ban also applies to flight crew who are from one of the listed countries.
Protests are taking place across the US - including airports in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.
The decree has also created uncertainty for refugees who were about to begin a new life in the States, as all resettlements have been suspended for at least 120 days while tougher vetting rules are established. Syrian refugees have been specifically barred from the US indefinitely.
One aid organisation said it knew of 2,000 refugees who had been scheduled to relocate to the US next week.
No refugees were on planes heading to America when the order came into force, but 350 people who had already begun their journeys are now stuck in Kenya.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, speaking at Sea-Tac Airport, condemned the "chaos and cruelty" of Mr Trump's policy - and warned it was provocative, incompetent, ineffective and damaging to the economy.
British citizens who carry passports for one of the seven affected countries have also been caught up in the disruption.
Hamaseh Tayari, a Scottish vet who holds an Iranian passport, told the Guardian she has been left stranded in Costa Rica as her flight back to Glasgow was scheduled to go via New York.
She and her boyfriend now face the possibility of having to pay an extra £2,000 to fly to Madrid in order to get home.
President Trump has said the executive order is a necessary step to stop "radical Islamic terrorists" from coming to the US - but stressed the decree is "not a Muslim ban".
He has faced condemnation from leaders around the world, with Iran's Foreign Minister warning Tehran is going to stop issuing new visas to US citizens in retaliation to the ban.
American technology giants have also responded furiously to the immigration clampdown.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook said his company does not support the policy. In an apparent reference to its co-founder Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian immigrant, Mr Cook said: "Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do."
Google has urged its employees from the seven countries affected to cancel any travel plans outside the US.
The impact on foreign students is also unclear. Figures from the Homeland Security Department suggest that 17,000 students from the blacklisted countries were allowed into the US in 2015/16.
President Trump's sweeping executive order for "extreme vetting" means no visas are being issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
But the ban is also affecting permanent, legal US citizens who were born in these countries. Those who were not on American soil when the decree came into effect are not able to re-enter for three months - separating them from their families and putting their jobs at risk.
Some green card holders who were flying home to the US when the executive order was signed have been taken into custody at airports upon arrival - with dozens of immigration lawyers attempting to help the stranded.
A judge has ruled those who have already landed in the US with valid visas can be temporarily allowed to stay in the country.
The American Civil Liberties Union, which won the federal district court judgment, said the ruling proved "we are a democratic republic where the powers of government are not dictatorial".
As of Saturday night, customs and border protection officials had denied entry to more than 170 people.
Others who were about to board flights back to America have been told they cannot travel - and the Homeland Security Department has been contacting airlines and recommending them to deny boarding to certain passengers.
Enforcement of the executive order for those landing in the States has been described as patchy and disorganised, and some American airports have been more lenient than others.
According to the executive order, exceptions can be made when it is in the "national interest", but one federal law enforcement official said: "It's unclear at this point what the threshold of the national interest is."
The International Air Transport Association has been told that the ban also applies to flight crew who are from one of the listed countries.
Protests are taking place across the US - including airports in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, Chicago and Dallas.
The decree has also created uncertainty for refugees who were about to begin a new life in the States, as all resettlements have been suspended for at least 120 days while tougher vetting rules are established. Syrian refugees have been specifically barred from the US indefinitely.
One aid organisation said it knew of 2,000 refugees who had been scheduled to relocate to the US next week.
No refugees were on planes heading to America when the order came into force, but 350 people who had already begun their journeys are now stuck in Kenya.
Washington Governor Jay Inslee, speaking at Sea-Tac Airport, condemned the "chaos and cruelty" of Mr Trump's policy - and warned it was provocative, incompetent, ineffective and damaging to the economy.
British citizens who carry passports for one of the seven affected countries have also been caught up in the disruption.
Hamaseh Tayari, a Scottish vet who holds an Iranian passport, told the Guardian she has been left stranded in Costa Rica as her flight back to Glasgow was scheduled to go via New York.
She and her boyfriend now face the possibility of having to pay an extra £2,000 to fly to Madrid in order to get home.
President Trump has said the executive order is a necessary step to stop "radical Islamic terrorists" from coming to the US - but stressed the decree is "not a Muslim ban".
He has faced condemnation from leaders around the world, with Iran's Foreign Minister warning Tehran is going to stop issuing new visas to US citizens in retaliation to the ban.
American technology giants have also responded furiously to the immigration clampdown.
Apple chief executive Tim Cook said his company does not support the policy. In an apparent reference to its co-founder Steve Jobs, the son of a Syrian immigrant, Mr Cook said: "Apple would not exist without immigration, let alone thrive and innovate the way we do."
Google has urged its employees from the seven countries affected to cancel any travel plans outside the US.
The impact on foreign students is also unclear. Figures from the Homeland Security Department suggest that 17,000 students from the blacklisted countries were allowed into the US in 2015/16.
Theresa May 'does not agree' with Trump's refugee ban
Theresa May does "not agree" with Donald Trump's immigration restrictions and will make representations if it affects Britons, Number 10 says.
he Prime Minister clarified her position after earlier insisting it was up to the US government to devise its own policy.
A Downing Street official said: "Immigration policy in the United States is a matter for the government of the United States, just the same as immigration policy for this country should be set by our government.
"But we do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking."
The crackdown means British citizens born in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen will not be able to travel to the States - even if they do not have dual nationality.
One of those affected is Iraqi-born Nadhim Zahawi, the Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon.
He tweeted: "I'm a British citizen & so proud to have been welcomed to this country. Sad to hear I'll be banned from the USA based on my country of birth.
"A sad, sad day to feel like a second-class citizen. Sad day for the USA."
Downing Street said Mrs May's team would be in touch with the White House if Britons were affected by the order.
"We are studying this new executive order to see what it means and what the legal effects are, and in particular what the consequences are for UK nationals," Number 10 said.
"If there is any impact on UK nationals then clearly we will make representations to the US government about that."
Labour and Conservative MPs had reacted with horror to Mr Trump's policy, and Mrs May's initial refusal to condemn it.
Outspoken Tory MP Heidi Allen tweeted the Prime Minister directly to say: "Strong leadership means not being afraid to tell someone powerful when they're wrong. It's an ethos this country is proud of Theresa May."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticsed said: "Theresa May should have stood up for Britain and our values by condemning his actions. It should sadden our country that she chose not to.
"After Trump's hideous actions and May's weak failure to condemn them, it's more important than ever for us to say to refugees seeking a place of safety, that they will always be welcome in Britain."
But Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke defended Mrs May.
"The Prime Minister is not a shoot-from-the-hip type of politician, she wants to see the evidence, she wants to understand precisely what the implications are," he said.
"She had been in a series of very lengthy meetings with President Erdogan and she is someone who wants to see the briefing and understand it and then will respond to that."
Other world leaders, including Canada's Justin Trudeau and French President Francois Hollande, were more forthright in speaking out against the ban.
he Prime Minister clarified her position after earlier insisting it was up to the US government to devise its own policy.
A Downing Street official said: "Immigration policy in the United States is a matter for the government of the United States, just the same as immigration policy for this country should be set by our government.
"But we do not agree with this kind of approach and it is not one we will be taking."
The crackdown means British citizens born in Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen will not be able to travel to the States - even if they do not have dual nationality.
One of those affected is Iraqi-born Nadhim Zahawi, the Conservative MP for Stratford-on-Avon.
He tweeted: "I'm a British citizen & so proud to have been welcomed to this country. Sad to hear I'll be banned from the USA based on my country of birth.
"A sad, sad day to feel like a second-class citizen. Sad day for the USA."
Downing Street said Mrs May's team would be in touch with the White House if Britons were affected by the order.
"We are studying this new executive order to see what it means and what the legal effects are, and in particular what the consequences are for UK nationals," Number 10 said.
"If there is any impact on UK nationals then clearly we will make representations to the US government about that."
Labour and Conservative MPs had reacted with horror to Mr Trump's policy, and Mrs May's initial refusal to condemn it.
Outspoken Tory MP Heidi Allen tweeted the Prime Minister directly to say: "Strong leadership means not being afraid to tell someone powerful when they're wrong. It's an ethos this country is proud of Theresa May."
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticsed said: "Theresa May should have stood up for Britain and our values by condemning his actions. It should sadden our country that she chose not to.
"After Trump's hideous actions and May's weak failure to condemn them, it's more important than ever for us to say to refugees seeking a place of safety, that they will always be welcome in Britain."
But Chief Secretary to the Treasury David Gauke defended Mrs May.
"The Prime Minister is not a shoot-from-the-hip type of politician, she wants to see the evidence, she wants to understand precisely what the implications are," he said.
"She had been in a series of very lengthy meetings with President Erdogan and she is someone who wants to see the briefing and understand it and then will respond to that."
Other world leaders, including Canada's Justin Trudeau and French President Francois Hollande, were more forthright in speaking out against the ban.
Coins discovery 'will re-write' Anglo-Saxon history
Historians say an entire chapter of the Anglo-Saxon period will have to be re-written after a metal detectorist found a huge hoard of coins in a field.
James Mather made the discovery of 200 complete silver coins, seven items of jewellery and 15 silver ingots in a field near Watlington in Oxfordshire in October 2015. Its full significance has now become apparent.
The find contained a mixture of extremely rare Anglo-Saxon coins and Viking silver, which provides a clearer understanding of the relationship between Alfred the Great, who ruled Wessex and his less well-known contemporary Ceolwulf II of Mercia.
Some of the coins were minted with a 'Two Emperors' design, borrowed from the Romans, which shows that the currency was used in both ancient kingdoms.
"This is an extraordinary find, one which re-writes Anglo-Saxon history," Xa Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, which now houses the coins, told Sky News.
"The keeper of the coin room here came running up the stairs to tell me. The more they were excavated the more it became obvious how significant they are. These coins point to some sort of an alliance in the 870s between Alfred and Ceolwulf."
While Alfred is often described as the king who founded England, uniting Mercia and Wessex, very little is known of his rival Ceolwulf.
"These coins prove that there was a very real alliance between the two men at that time," added Julian Baker, coin curator at the Ashmolean.
"That alliance hasn't survived in the historical record until now. Alfred manipulated history to put himself in a better light. To date, history has overemphasised Alfred's record and almost completely neglected Ceolwulf.
"We can start re-writing that decade now, courtesy of the Watlington hoard."
The Ashmolean has until Monday, 31 January, to raise £1.35m to keep the coins and Viking silver in Oxfordshire and they are extremely close to that figure now.
More than 500 people in the local area have donated to the fund set up to raise the cash.
Mr Sturgis added: "Alfred is the only king in the history of England described as 'great'. But these coins show that in the 870s he needed Ceolwulf. It's incredible that we know so little about him and Alfred dominates everything. It's like he obliterated Ceolwulf."
The Watlington Hoard, as it is now known, is on public display at the Ashmolean as historians begin the process of re-assessing that period of Anglo-Saxon history.
James Mather made the discovery of 200 complete silver coins, seven items of jewellery and 15 silver ingots in a field near Watlington in Oxfordshire in October 2015. Its full significance has now become apparent.
The find contained a mixture of extremely rare Anglo-Saxon coins and Viking silver, which provides a clearer understanding of the relationship between Alfred the Great, who ruled Wessex and his less well-known contemporary Ceolwulf II of Mercia.
Some of the coins were minted with a 'Two Emperors' design, borrowed from the Romans, which shows that the currency was used in both ancient kingdoms.
"This is an extraordinary find, one which re-writes Anglo-Saxon history," Xa Sturgis, director of the Ashmolean Museum in Oxford, which now houses the coins, told Sky News.
"The keeper of the coin room here came running up the stairs to tell me. The more they were excavated the more it became obvious how significant they are. These coins point to some sort of an alliance in the 870s between Alfred and Ceolwulf."
While Alfred is often described as the king who founded England, uniting Mercia and Wessex, very little is known of his rival Ceolwulf.
"These coins prove that there was a very real alliance between the two men at that time," added Julian Baker, coin curator at the Ashmolean.
"That alliance hasn't survived in the historical record until now. Alfred manipulated history to put himself in a better light. To date, history has overemphasised Alfred's record and almost completely neglected Ceolwulf.
"We can start re-writing that decade now, courtesy of the Watlington hoard."
The Ashmolean has until Monday, 31 January, to raise £1.35m to keep the coins and Viking silver in Oxfordshire and they are extremely close to that figure now.
More than 500 people in the local area have donated to the fund set up to raise the cash.
Mr Sturgis added: "Alfred is the only king in the history of England described as 'great'. But these coins show that in the 870s he needed Ceolwulf. It's incredible that we know so little about him and Alfred dominates everything. It's like he obliterated Ceolwulf."
The Watlington Hoard, as it is now known, is on public display at the Ashmolean as historians begin the process of re-assessing that period of Anglo-Saxon history.
Saturday, January 28, 2017
Theresa May arrives in Turkey for trade and security talks
Theresa May has arrived in Turkey for talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan about security and a post-Brexit trade deal.
The UK and Turkey have agreed to set up a joint working group to pave the way for a free trade agreement, but formal negotiations cannot commence until Brexit is finalised.
The Prime Minister and Mr Erdogan are also expected to unveil a strategic security partnership which will see the UK and Turkey collaborate more closely on aviation security and counter-terrorism measures.
As she sat down with the Turkish leader, Mrs May saw her own image on TV screens which were showing footage of her meeting with Donald Trump on Friday.
The Prime Minister laughed after being told by an aide to Mr Erdogan that the visit had been "well covered in Turkey".
Before being taken the presidential palace, Mrs May laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and founder of the Republic of Turkey.
She signed her name in the visitors' book and left a message which read: "It is a great honour to visit this special place of remembrance to the founding father of modern Turkey.
"Let us together renew our efforts to fulfil Ataturk's vision of peace at home and peace in the world."
Mrs May's visit to Ankara comes at an unstable time for Turkey, which has suffered several terror attacks in recent months.
The Prime Minister is also under pressure to confront Mr Erdogan over human rights, as his crackdown on dissent following last summer's failed coup has seen thousands of officials jailed and several media outlets closed.
Amnesty International said that the human rights situation across Turkey had "deteriorated markedly" during the state of emergency imposed by Mr Erdogan and urged Mrs May to ask "probing questions" about allegations that those in detention have suffered ill treatment.
Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Mrs May should address alleged human rights violations "as a priority".
He said: "As Theresa May seeks trade deals with ever-more unsavoury leaders, she ignores the simple point that the most successful countries around the world respect human rights - economies flourish in free societies."
Downing Street did not confirm whether human rights would be raised during the discussions, but a spokesperson said the Government had "already expressed our strong support for Turkey's democracy and institutions following the coup".
The spokesperson added: "We have also been clear that we urge Turkey to ensure their response is proportionate, justified and in line with international human rights obligations."
Turkey is going to become the 13th country to set up a working group on trade with the UK.
On a visit to Ankara last year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson expressed hope of securing a "jumbo" free trade deal with Turkey after Brexit.
Figures from the International Monetary Fund show the UK was the second-largest destination for Turkish exports in 2015, buying more than £8bn in goods.
The UK and Turkey have agreed to set up a joint working group to pave the way for a free trade agreement, but formal negotiations cannot commence until Brexit is finalised.
The Prime Minister and Mr Erdogan are also expected to unveil a strategic security partnership which will see the UK and Turkey collaborate more closely on aviation security and counter-terrorism measures.
As she sat down with the Turkish leader, Mrs May saw her own image on TV screens which were showing footage of her meeting with Donald Trump on Friday.
The Prime Minister laughed after being told by an aide to Mr Erdogan that the visit had been "well covered in Turkey".
Before being taken the presidential palace, Mrs May laid a wreath at the mausoleum of Mustafa Kemal Ataturk - the leader of the Turkish War of Independence and founder of the Republic of Turkey.
She signed her name in the visitors' book and left a message which read: "It is a great honour to visit this special place of remembrance to the founding father of modern Turkey.
"Let us together renew our efforts to fulfil Ataturk's vision of peace at home and peace in the world."
Mrs May's visit to Ankara comes at an unstable time for Turkey, which has suffered several terror attacks in recent months.
The Prime Minister is also under pressure to confront Mr Erdogan over human rights, as his crackdown on dissent following last summer's failed coup has seen thousands of officials jailed and several media outlets closed.
Amnesty International said that the human rights situation across Turkey had "deteriorated markedly" during the state of emergency imposed by Mr Erdogan and urged Mrs May to ask "probing questions" about allegations that those in detention have suffered ill treatment.
Meanwhile, Lib Dem leader Tim Farron said Mrs May should address alleged human rights violations "as a priority".
He said: "As Theresa May seeks trade deals with ever-more unsavoury leaders, she ignores the simple point that the most successful countries around the world respect human rights - economies flourish in free societies."
Downing Street did not confirm whether human rights would be raised during the discussions, but a spokesperson said the Government had "already expressed our strong support for Turkey's democracy and institutions following the coup".
The spokesperson added: "We have also been clear that we urge Turkey to ensure their response is proportionate, justified and in line with international human rights obligations."
Turkey is going to become the 13th country to set up a working group on trade with the UK.
On a visit to Ankara last year, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson expressed hope of securing a "jumbo" free trade deal with Turkey after Brexit.
Figures from the International Monetary Fund show the UK was the second-largest destination for Turkish exports in 2015, buying more than £8bn in goods.
Trump halts all refugee arrivals to 'keep Islamic terrorists out'
Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order to suspend refugee arrivals and impose tough new controls on travellers from seven Muslim countries.
The US President who had promised the measures - called "extreme vetting" - during last year's election campaign, said he was making America safe from "radical Islamic terrorists".
"This is big stuff," he declared at the Pentagon, after signing an order entitled 'Protection of the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States'.
"I'm establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America.
"We only want to admit those into our country who will support our country and love deeply our people."
Mr Trump's decree suspends the entire US refugee resettlement programme for at least 120 days while tough new vetting rules of applicants' backgrounds are established.
The new protocols will "ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States".
In addition, it specifically bars Syrian refugees from the US indefinitely, or until the President himself decides that they no longer pose a threat.
Meanwhile, no visas will be issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from seven mainly-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
The US President who had promised the measures - called "extreme vetting" - during last year's election campaign, said he was making America safe from "radical Islamic terrorists".
"This is big stuff," he declared at the Pentagon, after signing an order entitled 'Protection of the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States'.
"I'm establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the United States of America.
"We only want to admit those into our country who will support our country and love deeply our people."
Mr Trump's decree suspends the entire US refugee resettlement programme for at least 120 days while tough new vetting rules of applicants' backgrounds are established.
The new protocols will "ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States".
In addition, it specifically bars Syrian refugees from the US indefinitely, or until the President himself decides that they no longer pose a threat.
Meanwhile, no visas will be issued for 90 days to migrants or visitors from seven mainly-Muslim countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Theresa May refuses to condemn Donald Trump's immigration controls
Theresa May has refused to condemn Donald Trump when asked by Sky News about his new ban on refugees and controls on travellers from seven predominantly Muslim countries.
The Prime Minister tried to avoid commenting on the controversial policyduring a news conference with her Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim.
On Friday Mrs May became the first foreign leader to visit the White House since Mr Trump's inauguration - and talked stateside about their shared values.
The new controls were announced after the PM left Washington DC and she was asked by Sky News whether she still believed she shared the values of President Trump.
But while Mr Yildirim criticised the visa restrictions, Mrs May at first dodged the question.
She said: "I was very pleased to visit Washington and hold the discussions I did with President Trump yesterday.
"On the issue of refugees I've recognised the contribution Turkey has made in hosting and supporting three million refuges as a result of the Syrian conflict.
"The UK also has a good record in that we have developed a number of schemes for resettlement from the region.
"The UK is the second largest bilateral donor outside the region in terms of money we've put into this issue."
Mr Trump said he was making America safe from "radical Islamic terrorists" as he signed the executive order restricting travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Under pressure from British reporters, Mrs May eventually said: "The United States is responsible for the United States policy on refugees. The United Kingdom is responsible for the United Kingdom's policy on refugees."
Her Turkish counterpart Mr Yildirim told Sky News: "This refugee issue is a global issue. We have 55 million refuges worldwide and we know there are 200 UN member states. This number is higher than the population of 150 of the member states.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to this issue and you cannot settle this issue by constructing walls."
Reacting to Mrs May's comments, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "President Trump's executive order against refugees and Muslims should shock and appal us all.
"Theresa May should have stood up for Britain and our values by condemning his actions. It should sadden our country that she chose not to.
"After Trump's hideous actions and May's weak failure to condemn them, it's more important than ever for us to say to refugees seeking a place of safety, that they will always be welcome in Britain."
Turkey has taken three million refugees as a result of the Syrian conflict.
Mr Yildirim added: "They came here to save their lives. Our doors were open and if the same thing were to happen again we would do the same. If there is someone in need you give them a helping hand.
"We will continue accommodating these people until there is peace there."
The news conference came after Mrs May announced a £100m deal for the development of fighter jets for Turkey, following trade talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
The Prime Minister tried to avoid commenting on the controversial policyduring a news conference with her Turkish counterpart Binali Yildirim.
On Friday Mrs May became the first foreign leader to visit the White House since Mr Trump's inauguration - and talked stateside about their shared values.
The new controls were announced after the PM left Washington DC and she was asked by Sky News whether she still believed she shared the values of President Trump.
But while Mr Yildirim criticised the visa restrictions, Mrs May at first dodged the question.
She said: "I was very pleased to visit Washington and hold the discussions I did with President Trump yesterday.
"On the issue of refugees I've recognised the contribution Turkey has made in hosting and supporting three million refuges as a result of the Syrian conflict.
"The UK also has a good record in that we have developed a number of schemes for resettlement from the region.
"The UK is the second largest bilateral donor outside the region in terms of money we've put into this issue."
Mr Trump said he was making America safe from "radical Islamic terrorists" as he signed the executive order restricting travellers from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
Under pressure from British reporters, Mrs May eventually said: "The United States is responsible for the United States policy on refugees. The United Kingdom is responsible for the United Kingdom's policy on refugees."
Her Turkish counterpart Mr Yildirim told Sky News: "This refugee issue is a global issue. We have 55 million refuges worldwide and we know there are 200 UN member states. This number is higher than the population of 150 of the member states.
"We cannot turn a blind eye to this issue and you cannot settle this issue by constructing walls."
Reacting to Mrs May's comments, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said: "President Trump's executive order against refugees and Muslims should shock and appal us all.
"Theresa May should have stood up for Britain and our values by condemning his actions. It should sadden our country that she chose not to.
"After Trump's hideous actions and May's weak failure to condemn them, it's more important than ever for us to say to refugees seeking a place of safety, that they will always be welcome in Britain."
Turkey has taken three million refugees as a result of the Syrian conflict.
Mr Yildirim added: "They came here to save their lives. Our doors were open and if the same thing were to happen again we would do the same. If there is someone in need you give them a helping hand.
"We will continue accommodating these people until there is peace there."
The news conference came after Mrs May announced a £100m deal for the development of fighter jets for Turkey, following trade talks with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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