President Trump rolled out the second version of the initial immigration executive order earlier today. The order temporarily suspends immigration into the United States for 90-days from now only six countries, including Iran, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Syria and Libya. Iraq was previously listed among these nations but was removed from the list after assurances were made from the Iraqi government in regards to increased information sharing with the United States.
It is important to note that this order provides a 10-day notice period; the order will not go into effect until March 16, 2017. White House officials hope this 10-day notice period will help to avoid some of the chaotic scenes at U.S. airports that occurred on Jan. 27 when the first executive order was announced without warning.
This order does not revoke existing visas approved before March 16, 2017 and does not apply to current U.S. lawful permanent residents and green card holders. The Department of State reports that visas revoked due to the original travel ban have been fully restored.
Additionally, the nation’s refugee program will be suspended for 120 days. This 120-day ban includes Syrian refugees. This is one major difference to the original order which banned Syrian refugees from the United States entirely. The U.S. will also not accept more than 50,000 refugees in a year, down from the 110,000 cap set by the Obama administration. The new order also specifically states that refugees already approved by the Department of State can enter the U.S. The new order does not give priority to religious minorities, as the initial version did.
Landed immigrants from Canada who hold passports from one of the six countries listed above will be eligible to apply for a waiver with the U.S. Embassies in Canada. The order also details specific sets of people who may be able to apply for case-by-case waivers, including those previously admitted to the U.S. for “a continuous period of work, study or other long-term activity,” those with “significant business or professional obligations” and those seeking to visit or live with family.
This executive order aims to protect the nation from foreign terrorist entry into the United States.
Berardi Immigration Law is committed to keeping our clients up-to-date with the most accurate and current news. We will continue to monitor the executive order and notify our clients of any changes.
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