Presidential Executive Orders
Presidential Executive Orders help the administration implement policy. For more information or historical context, you can read Executive Orders 101.
When an Executive Order is issued, there often is a period of uncertainty as the responsible agencies move to implement the order. That may necessitate issuing regulations, which can take time. There may also be legal challenges to Executive Orders. While people who are impacted by an Executive Order should pay attention to the order, there may be periods of time when there are questions but no definitive answers. OIE staff are committed to monitoring these issues in order to keep the CMU community informed.
NEW: Open Forum on Immigration Policies to be held on Tuesday, February 14, 2017, McConomy Auditorium, CUC, 4:30-5:30 pm.
January 27, 2017
Executive Order: Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States
Travel Advisory to Nationals of Certain Countries Pursuant to Executive Order Updated February 9, 2017
Updates: As of 2/9/17, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals denied the Trump Administrations emergecny motion. The decision of the Federal Judge, who had ordered a stay of the Executive Order (meaning the implementation is suspended) stands. Prior to the judicial stay, US Citizenship and Immigration Services had confirmed that they continue to process applications received from or on behalf of nationals from the seven countries. The Department of Homeland Security has announced it will comply with the judge's order. The Dept. of Justice attempted to halt the judge's suspention of the order but the Court ruled against Trump Administration. More action is expected in the courts on 2/6/17. We do not yet know if the State Department will resume visa issuance for nationals of the seven impacted countries but it would appear that nationals in possession of a valid visa may now enter the US (and visas that were revoked by the order appear to have been reinstated). We do not know how long this situation will last. Because of the ongoing legal uncertainties, we continue to advise that citizens of the seven impacted countries refrain from international travel.
Regardless of country of citizenship, it may take additional time to obtain a visa interview as there may be more people seeking interview appointments. All travelers should carefully consider timing issues when making travel plans, including reviewing visa wait times before scheduling flights. Students and scholars should also review OIE's travel guidance and carry the appropriate documentation when traveling.
Key points: Suspends entry to the US for nationals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen for a period of 90 days from 1/27/2017. This period may be extended. Requires a review of the information needed from countries to issue a visa with the potential to bar citizens from countries that do not provided the information the US needs. Requires in-person interview for all visa applications.
If you were born in, or are a citizen of, one of these seven countries, OIE advises that you not travel outside the US while this Executive Order is in effect if you need to return to the US. If you must travel (family emergency, etc.), we encourage you to speak with your OIE advisor or an immigration attorney prior to traveling. UPDATE: As of 1/29, the Dept. of Homeland Security clarified that US permanent residents (green card holders) who are nationals of these seven countries are NOT subject to the ban. However, it appears that green card holders will be subject to secondary inspection and entry is on a case-by-case basis. Because of lingering uncertainty, we recommend that US Permanent Residents/green card holders consider defering international travel in the short run to make sure the revision of the policy allowing permanent residents to enter the US is implemented at the ports of entry.
FAQs for all international students & scholars
Email to students/scholars from the seven impacted countries who are on CMU visa documents
January 25, 2017
Executive Order: Enhancing Public Safety in the Interior of the United States
Key points: Focused on immigration enforcement and priority-setting related to removal from the US.
Executive Order: Border Security and Immigration Enforcement Improvements
Key points: Focused on the wall and other border-focused enforcement issues