With his January travel ban suspended by the federal courts, President Trump signed a revised Executive Order (EO) on Monday, March 6, 2017, which will take effect Thursday, March 16, 2017. This latest action bars nationals and citizens from six countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days: Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. Iraq has been removed from the previous EO's list of countries.
The Trump administration has stipulated that the new EO does not apply to individuals from the designated countries who had valid visas by 5:00 pm on January 27, 2017, or hold valid visas on the effective date of the order. Lawful permanent residents of the U.S. are also outside the scope of the ban, as are applicants for adjustment of status and naturalization and dual nationals traveling on passports of non-designated countries.
The EO states that no visa issued before its effective date will be revoked on the basis of this action. Further, any person whose visa was canceled as a result of the previous travel ban is entitled to a travel document allowing him or her to seek admission to the U.S. Cancelation or revocation of a visa pursuant only to the previous EO will not be the basis for a future finding of inadmissibility to the U.S.
The EO also suspends the Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days. Refugees of any country seeking to enter the U.S. for the first time will be permitted to enter only if their travel was already formally scheduled by the U.S. Department of State. Returning refugees-persons already granted refugee or asylum status in the U.S.-are exempt from this EO.
With this latest action, the Trump administration further calls for uniform screening standards for all immigration programs; expedited completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit system for travelers; realignment of the Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017; review of all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements; and restriction of the Visa Interview Waiver Program.
At Grzeca Law Group, we understand that developments in immigration law and policy often dramatically affect our clients and the immigrant community as a whole. We remain up-to-date with any changes, and can provide thorough and educated advice. If you or someone you know has immigration questions or concerns, please call our office at (414) 342-3000 and make an appointment to speak with one of our attorneys.
