New Delhi:
The United State President Donald Trump on Monday fired the acting Attorney General, Sally Yates for refusing to defend the immigration order, temporarily banning entry to Muslims from seven countries.
In a statement, the White House said Yates "betrayed the Department of Justice" and was "weak on borders" and said she was being replaced by Dana Boente, the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia.
"Ms Yates is an Obama Administration appointee who is weak on borders and very weak on illegal immigration," the White House statement said. "It is time to get serious about protecting our country. Calling for tougher vetting for individuals travelling from seven dangerous places is not extreme. It is reasonable and necessary to protect our country."
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In the letter, Yates wrote: "At present, I am not convinced that the defense of the Executive Order is consistent with these responsibilities nor am I convinced that the Executive Order is lawful."
"Consequently, for as long as I am the Acting Attorney General, the Department of Justice will not present arguments in defense of the Executive Order, unless and until I become convinced that it is appropriate to do so."
Trump's order, which went into effect Friday, affects immigration from seven countries that have predominantly Muslim populations, temporarily bans certain travelers and places indefinite restrictions on Syrian refugees.
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