The White House said the action was needed to protect the United States from terrorist attacks and other national security threats, and said the countries lacked screening and vetting capabilities.

The countries include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.

During Thursday hearings, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., questioned the purpose and value of travel bans and restrictions placed Wednesday on immigrants and visitors from 19 countries.