Donald Trump says he wants to "temporarily suspend immigration" into the United States because of coronavirus.
The US president wrote on Twitter that he's made the decision "in light of the attack from the invisible enemy" - as well as the need to protect jobs
He didn't give further details, and the White House hasn't yet clarified.
Political Commentator and Law Lecturer in NUIG, Larry Donnelly, says he thinks it's a sad moment in American history.
"Its worrying I think, we don't know if he's going to go ahead with it or the extent of it.
"It is notable that the president has considerable authority in the area of immigration.
"He has the power to at least on a temporary basis to halt immigration if he determines it's detrimental to the interests of the United States.
"Now if this does come into play, I expect this to be challenged in court immediately."
