Trump's refugee clampdown stops Iranian path through Austria

The Associated Press has learned that Austria has shut its door to about 300 non-Muslim Iranians hoping to use the country as a way station before establishing new homes in the U.S.

The action is an early ripple effect of President Donald Trump's effort to clamp down on U.S. refugee admissions.

Under a 27-year-old program, Austria had been serving until recently as a conduit for Iranian Jews, Christians and Baha'i who were at risk in their home country and eligible to resettle in the United States. In Austria, U.S. officials had been interviewing the candidates because they cannot do so in Iran.

But Austrian officials say that in recent days the United States suspended the so-called "Iranian Lautenberg Program." Austria, in turn, has stopped the Iranians from reaching its territory.