London: The former US Ambassador to Australia, Jeffrey Bleich, has issued an extraordinary statement attacking President Donald Trump's executive order on immigration and a passionate defence of refugees, warning that the "hottest places in hell" are reserved for those who "maintain neutrality" in times of "great moral crisis."

Mr Bleich is a close friend of former President Barack Obama who appointed him US Ambassador to Australia between 2009 and 2013.

Mr Bleich, now a chair of the J. William Fulbright Board, said he had never before issued a statement condemning the actions of the United States government.

But he said as an "American, patriot and human being" he had no choice but to speak out and said: "None of us should be silent."