NETHERLANDS TO BAN AMERICAN CITIZENS FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY

I am embarrassed to be an American! 

Jeroen van Baardwijk

November 17 · 

NETHERLANDS TO BAN AMERICAN CITIZENS FROM ENTERING THE COUNTRY

At a press conference held earlier today, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte announced that The Netherlands will restrict access to the country for American citizens, following the announcement from at least 27 U.S. Governors that they will not permit Syrian refugees to find shelter in their respective states.

'Europe has opened its doors to Syrian refugees,' he said, 'because we recognise the human tragedy and believe it is our duty as human beings to offer shelter and aid to people fleeing from the war in Syria.'

The Prime Minister continued: 'We are appalled that our American allies, who have such a long tradition of defending freedom and taking pride in being a multicultural society, are now refusing to help Syrian refugees, with their sole argument being that there might be a few terrorists hiding amidst the thousands of refugees. The United States are a key player in conflicts in the Middle East, and should therefore accept their share of refugees fleeing from these conflicts.'

Following that statement, Mr Rutte announced: 'The Dutch government wants to send a clear signal that we consider such behaviour to be inhumane. Therefore, and effective immediately, we are closing our borders to all American citizens. Our first priority must be to protect our own citizens, the only way to protect the Dutch population against any potential crimes committed by American visitors is to prevent them from entering the country. This measure will remain in place until we have developed a screening process that will prevent potential American criminals from entering The Netherlands.'

Mr Rutte also announced that American citizens who are already in The Netherlands will for now be permitted to remain in the country, but added that they could face deportation to the United States 'should changes in circumstances warrant such action.'

The Prime Minister ended his statement with a plea to President Obama to recognise the inhumanity of the various Governors, urging him to have them removed from office, and suggesting they should be put on trial for crimes against humanity.

The American Ambassador in The Hague could not be reached for comment.