New Travel Ban Announced

n September 24, 2017, President Trump issued a new travel ban, following multiple court challenges to the previous bans.

The Executive Order explains that the US State Department reviewed the information that foreign governments shared with the US, to ensure that the US could adequately vet intending immigrants and visitors. The order states that "...the following countries continue to have "inadequate" identity-management protocols, information-sharing practices, and risk factors..., such that entry restrictions and limitations are recommended:  Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen."

The White House has issued an FAQ, explaining the restrictions in more detail, and why different rules apply to the different countries.  

The following categories are NOT affected:

• Lawful permanent residents;
• Foreign nationals admitted to or paroled into the United States by the effective date;
• People with valid visas or  other travel documents (e.g. Advance Parole) by the effective date;
• Dual citizens traveling using their passport from an unrestricted country;
• Foreign nationals traveling on a diplomatic visa; NATO visa; C-2 visa for travel to the United Nations; or G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-4 visa;
• Foreign nationals granted asylum in the U.S.;
• Anyone granted withholding of removal or protection under the Convention Against Torture;

The restrictions take effect immediately for nationals of the countries covered by the earlier Executive Order and who lack a "..bona fide connection to a person or entity in the United States." For all others, the restrictions take effect on October 18, 2017.

​There was no restriction places on refugee admissions, but we expect another announcement on this soon.

The specific restrictions are as follows:

Chad
Immigrant and business and/or tourist visas suspended.

Iran
Immigrant and nonimmigrant visas suspended, except for F (student) and J (exchange visitor) visas. These applicants will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting requirements.

Libya
Immigrant and business and/or tourist visas suspended.

North Korea
All entries suspended.

Somalia
Immigrant visas suspended. All others will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting requirements.

Syria
All entries suspended.

Venezuela
Some Venezuelan government officials and their immediate family members are prohibited from entering on business and/or tourist visas.

Yemen
Immigrant and business and/or tourist visas suspended.

For more information, please contact Elaine Martin, immigration lawyer.

White House FAQs
White House Fact Sheet
Proclamation

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