Several media outlets are reporting that President Trump will sign a new executive order this afternoon to prohibit, for a period of at least 30 days, visa issuance and admission to the U.S. of all foreign nationals and citizens from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen. The executive order, which will likely take effect upon signature, will make nationals and citizens from these countries ineligible for visas and admission to the U.S. for the duration of the ban.
Although the Executive Order has not been issued or signed yet, a leaked draft indicates that individuals from these countries, including those who may already possess valid U.S. nonimmigrant or immigrant visas, would be prohibited from entering the U.S. for a period of at least 30 days, if not longer, if the period of the ban is extended. Moreover, even though the draft Executive Order contains a provision that permits discretionary admission or visa issuance on a case-by-case basis where it is deemed to be in the “national interest” of the country, it is unclear what the standards are or how this provision will be implemented.
Individuals from these countries who are currently abroad and need to travel to the U.S. should contact an experienced immigration attorney as soon as possible. In addition, individuals from these countries who are in the U.S. should delay travel abroad until there is more definitive guidance on how this ban will be implemented, and they should contact an experienced immigration attorney before traveling outside of the U.S.
Another provision of the Executive Order addresses security-related immigration policies which impact refugee admissions and procedures for visa applications at U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide. The Executive Order will likely suspend refugee admissions and will eliminate exceptions to the interview requirement for visa applicants.
The attorneys at Wildes & Weinberg are closely monitoring all immigration related executive orders, bills and laws and will continue to provide additional information and guidance to our clients as it becomes available.
If you have a question on how this Executive Order may affect you or your employees, please contact Managing Partner Michael Wildes at michael@wildeslaw.com
