Travel Ban Update
Impacted students invited to contact OIE
Two judges (in Hawaii and Maryland) have issued temporary restraining orders blocking the most recent travel ban (see below) from taking effect. As this situation may change, people who may be impacted should carefully consider travel and should consult with OIE and/or an immigration attorney prior to traveling internationally.
On September 24th, President Trump issued a Proclamation, updating Executive Order 13780 from May 2017 (Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States). This proclamation changes, and adds new restrictions on a country-specific basis, entry to the US for some people. Specifically, the changes apply to citizens of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. Citizens of Iraq are not barred but may face additional scrutiny when attempting to enter the US. While country specific, students and Exchange Visitors from all but North Korea and Syria may continue to be admitted to the US. Faculty/staff in H-1B, O-1 or other non-immigrant statuses from all but Iran, North Korea and Syria may continue to be admitted to the US.
Chad: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant in B-1 or B-2 status. Students and scholars (F, J, H, etc.) statuses are allowed to enter the US.
Iran: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant EXCEPT students (F & M) and Exchange Visitors (J) status are allowed to enter the US but may be subject to additional screening. NOTE: nonimmigrants in statuses such as H-1B or O-1 are not allowed entry unless granted a case by case waiver. Contact OIE for additional information about travel and the possibility of obtaining a waiver.
Libya: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant in B-1 or B-2 status. Students and scholars (F, J, H, etc.) statuses are allowed to enter the US.
North Korea: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant.
Somalia: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant. Nonimmigrants, such as students and scholars in F, J and H statuses are allowed to enter the US but may face additional scrutiny.
Syria: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant.
Venezuela: Suspension of entry of officals of certain Venezuelan government agencies, and their families, in B-1 or B-2 status. Entry for other citizens of Venezuela, and statuses such as F, J and H is not suspended however there could be administrative processing delays.
Yemen: Suspension of entry as a new immigrant or as a nonimmigrant in B-1 or B-2 status. Students and scholars (F, J, H, etc.) statuses are allowed to enter the US.
Effective dates:
Sept. 24, 2017: The changes were effective for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia who lacked a "credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."
October 18, 2017: The changes become effective for citizens of Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela and for citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia "who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."
OIE advises citizens of all of these countries to consider travel carefully as even people whose entry is not suspended may face additional scutiny when applying for a visa which could delay their return to the US.
Regardless of country of citizenship, it may take additional time to obtain a visa interview as there may be more people seeking interview appointments and the current Administration has introduced a supplemental questionnaire for some visa applicants. 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.
Questions and concerns may be directed to our office at oie@andrew.cmu.edu.