Iraq's Abadi to meet Trump as Muslim ban revised

Tensions between Washington and Baghdad have built since Trump introduced a ban on Iraqis visiting the United States.

That measure was later frozen by the courts and after fierce lobbying from inside and outside the administration, Iraqis were excluded from his new travel ban unveiled on Monday.

The Iraqi government hailed the country's exemption as an "important step" that strengthens relations between Baghdad and Washington.

"The Iraqi foreign ministry expresses its deep satisfaction with the executive order issued by President Donald Trump which includes an exemption for Iraqis from the ban on travel to the United States of America," spokesman Ahmed Jamal said. 

According to a draft version of the new order outlined to lawmakers late last week, citizens of the other six countries will face the 90-day suspension of visa processing as the administration continues to analyse how to enhance vetting procedures.

Other changes are also expected, including making clear that all existing visas will be honoured and no longer singling out Syrian refugees for an indefinite ban. Syrian refugees will now be treated like other refugees and be subjected to a 120-day suspension of the refugee programme.

The new version is also expected to remove language that would give priority to religious minorities. Critics had accused the administration of adding such language to help Christians get into the United States while excluding Muslims.

The administration has repeatedly pushed back the signing as it has worked to better coordinate with the agencies that it will need to implement the ban. 

The new order has been in the works since shortly after a federal court blocked Trump's initial effort.

Trump administration officials have said the new order aims to overcome the legal challenges to the first but claimed its alleged goal will be the same: keep would-be terrorists out of the United States.

Trump signed his original executive order in late January, sparking confusion and anger as travellers were detained at US airports and barred from boarding flights at foreign airports.

The signing is expected to spark a new round of lawsuits and controversy.