President Trump signs order to weed out 'Islamic radicals'
US President Donald Trump has followed through on one of his most controversial election promises, signing an order to ban immigrants from Syria and other Muslim countries from entering America.
The move blocks new arrivals from seven countries, including Syria, Iraq and Iran for 90 days.
"I am establishing new vetting measures to keep radical Islamic terrorists out of the USA. We don't want them here," Trump announced during the signing at the Pentagon.
The order will bring in sweeping changes to the way the United States handles refugees from war-torn countries, but Christians will be given priority, according to Trump.
"They've been horribly treated. Do you know if you were a Christian in Syria it was impossible, at least very tough, to get into the United States?" he said.
The decision has cast doubt on a deal reached last year with Australia for the US to accept asylum seekers held on Nauru and Manus Island.
But Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is confident it will go ahead.
"We are very, very close friends and very strong and trusted allies," Mr Turnbull told reporters.
President Trump will speak with Mr Turnbull from the Oval Office on Sunday morning.
It comes after he hosted his first foreign leader at the White House, British Prime Minster Theresa May.
"The United States renews its deep bond with Britain - military, financial, cultural and political - we have one of the great bonds," Trump said after meeting with May.
Trump is expected to speak by phone to Russian President Vladimir Putin, opening the possibility of dropping US sanctions.
Another relationship the world will be watching closely.
News break - January 28
