Trump's 'new-and-improved' Muslim ban will spare green card holders

A revised version of US President Donald Trump's travel ban will not prevent green card holders and travelers already on planes from entering the United States, US Secretary for Homeland Security John Kelly said Saturday.

The revised executive order is expected to be announced next week.

"The president is contemplating releasing a tighter, more streamlined version of the first [order]. And I will have opportunity to work (on) a rollout plan, in particular to make sure that there's no one in a sense caught in the system of moving from overseas to our airports," Kelly said at the Munich Security Conference.

Asked whether green card residency permit holders would be allowed in under the new plan, Kelly said: "It's a good assumption and, as far as the visas go, ... if they're in motion from some distant land to the United States, when they arrive they will be allowed in."

Kelly also promised "a short phase-in period to make sure that people on the other end don't get on airplanes. But if they're on an airplane and inbound, they'll be allowed to enter the country."

The original executive order, which barred entry for all refugees and citizens of Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Iraq and Iran, was later blocked by a court decision.

Many, including major businesses and human rights groups, have criticised Trump's travel ban as an incarnation of his proposed 'Muslim ban' that was promised to supporters on the presidential campaign trail.

Trump's team announced on Thursday that it will not appeal the 9th Circuit Court's decision against Trump's 'Muslim Ban'.