White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was questioned Wednesday by a journalist about the difference in criteria applied by national authorities when they let in unvaccinated immigrants versus refusing to allow entry to world-class tennis players.
The journalist alluded to the case of Novak Djokovic, who will not be able to play in the US Open because he has not been vaccinated against covid. However, Jean-Pierre's response hinted that he did not know who the communicator was referring to.
Doocy: "How come immigrants are allowed into this country unvaccinated, but world-class tennis players are not?"
KJP: "I'm not sure." pic.twitter.com/GssshaZDmC
- barber.JUSTUCIERO.2 (@2Justuciero) August 29, 2022
"How come immigrants are allowed to come into this country unvaccinated, but world-class tennis players are not?" asked Fox News correspondent Peter Doocy of the White House press secretary.
"What world-class tennis player?" replied Jean-Pierre. After clarifying the journalist who asked about Novak Djokovic's case, the press secretary said: "Since you asked me about him, these records are confidential under US law, therefore, the government cannot discuss the details of individual visa cases" and added that for privacy reasons, the government also does not comment on the medical information of individual travelers.
"It's not that simple. It's not just that people are walking across the border. We have a plan in place. This is not like turning on the lights. This is going to take a process." said Jean-Pierre referring to the thousands of illegal migrants arriving in the U.S. each week, while changing the subject to criticize the immigration policies of the previous administration.
The official said that vaccination for foreign nationals is a Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requirement. "I refer you to the CDC...this is something they decide," Jean-Pierre expressed and invited Doocy to contact the US Open to explain the internal protocols they have for participants.
Novak Djokovic puts his top 10 status at risk
Serbian tennis player Novak Djokovic used his Twitter account to inform that he would not play in the US Open being held in New York.
"Unfortunately, this time I won't be able to travel to NY for the US Open. Thank you #NoleFam for your messages of love and support - good luck to the other players!" the athlete expressed.
His refusal to be vaccinated has caused him to lose points and jeopardizes his top10 status.
