Travel Ban Expected to Take Effect on Thursday, June 29

Beginning at 8pm EDT on Thursday, June 29, President Trump’s travel ban will be enforced against certain nationals of Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen and against all refugees.  The Department of Homeland Security is expected to issue implementation guidance soon.

The announcement comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s decision Monday to partially lift injunctions against the ban, but to exempt foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship to an entity or person in the United States.  Foreign nationals may qualify for an exemption because of a close family relationship, a job, or acceptance to study at a U.S. school.  Business visitors with an invitation from a U.S. entity may be exempt, though the Court’s decision does not make that clear.

Most employer-sponsored foreign nationals will be exempt from the travel ban.  Also exempt are U.S. lawful permanent residents, holders of valid visas, dual nationals with a valid visa or visa exemption, and applicants for adjustment of status with valid advance parole, among others.  Foreign nationals who do not qualify for an exemption may be eligible for a waiver of the travel restrictions if they can show that the denial of their entry would cause extreme hardship, their entry is in the national interest or they pose no national security threat.

The ban will be in force for 90 days against nationals of the six restricted countries and for 120 days against refugees, unless they are exempt or granted a waiver.

Fragomen is closely monitoring implementation of the travel ban and will issue updates as developments occur.  This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.