WASHINGTON [MENL] -- The United States has increased visa restrictions on
applicants from a range of Arab and Islamic countries.U.S. officials said the move is meant to allow for greater examination
of applicants that match a profile similar to the Islamic suicide attackers
that destroyed the World Trade Center and part of the Pentagon on Sept. 11.
The officials said scores of people from Arab and Islamic countries have
already been placed on a black list and ineligible to enter the United
States.The restrictions apply to nationals from 26 Arab and Islamic countries.
The restrictions focus on males ages 16 to 45.State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said the number of people
declared ineligible for a visa because of security concerns has tripled over
the last month. Boucher said this has delayed visa processing for many
people in some countries.
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