A senior United States (US) official says 872 refugees will be allowed into the United States this week despite the Trump administration executive order suspending the US refugees programme.

Kevin McAleenan, acting commissioner of the US Customs and Border Protection agency, said these refugees would be granted waivers.

He was speaking at a news conference Tuesday about the administration's new immigration restrictions, which also suspends arrival by nationals from seven predominantly Muslim nations.

He said that was allowed for under the order, in instances where refugees were ready for travel and stopping them would cause “undue hardship.”

McAleenan said this was being done in concert with the US State Department.

He said 872 refugees will be arriving this week and will processed for waivers through the end of the week.