Overview of the Executive Order
On January 27, 2017, the U.S. government issued a Travel Ban Executive Order that temporarily suspended the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days and restricted entry for citizens from seven specific nations for 90 days.
This action, announced under national security grounds, placed temporary travel restrictions on individuals from the following countries:
- Libya
- Iraq
- Somalia
- Sudan
- Iran
- Yemen
- Syria – Refugees from Syria are barred from entering the U.S. until further notice.
The suspension also paused the admission of refugees from all countries worldwide for 120 days. However, in limited cases, the U.S. government may grant entry to certain refugees on a case-by-case basis at its discretion.
To better understand international refugee protections, you can review the 1951 Geneva Refugee Convention, which serves as the foundation for global refugee rights and asylum procedures.
Stricter Immigration Screening Measures
The Executive Order directs the Secretary of State, Secretary of Homeland Security, Director of National Intelligence, and FBI Director to design a more selective and thorough immigration vetting process. This initiative aims to ensure stronger national-security checks and reduce potential risks associated with visa and refugee admissions.
Those seeking to review the full, unaltered text of the Executive Order can find it on the official White House website.
How the Travel Ban May Affect You
If you are from one of the listed countries, this order has immediate implications for your ability to travel to or from the United States. Before drawing any conclusions, it’s vital to read the official order carefully and discuss your circumstances with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
Here’s how the ban could impact various categories of applicants:
Citizens of the Affected Countries
If you are a citizen of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen, you will not be able to enter the United States—whether under an immigrant or nonimmigrant visa—until the temporary travel ban is lifted. It remains unclear if this ban will be extended or expanded to additional countries in the future. Green Card Link will continue monitoring updates and policy changes to keep clients informed.
Current Green Card Holders
If you are a green card holder from one of the restricted nations and are currently in the U.S., you should avoid international travel for now. Leaving the country could subject you to the travel ban upon reentry. While it may be possible to request a national interest waiver under special circumstances, it is generally advisable to remain in the U.S. until further guidance is provided.
Syrian Refugees
Individuals from Syria are not permitted to enter the United States under refugee status until the President amends or reinstates the Refugee Program.
Refugees from Other Nations
If you are a refugee from a country not listed in the travel ban, you may still be eligible to enter the U.S. depending on how the Secretary of State and Secretary of Homeland Security evaluate your individual application.
Visa Policy Changes You Should Know
Even if you are not from the restricted nations, the Executive Order introduces broader changes to U.S. visa and immigration processing:
- Suspension of the Visa Interview Waiver Program
All nonimmigrant visa applicants must now attend an in-person interview with a U.S. immigration officer. Previous exemptions allowing certain renewals without interviews are no longer available. - Reciprocal Visa Adjustments
The Secretary of State now has authority to modify U.S. visa validity periods, fees, and eligibility conditions based on reciprocity. This means that if another country imposes restrictions on U.S. citizens—such as shorter visa validity or higher fees—the United States may impose similar measures in response. - Enhanced Vetting Process for All Immigrants
The new policy framework includes expanded security screenings such as:- Mandatory in-person interviews
- Verification of document authenticity
- Revised application forms
- Evaluations ensuring that applicants will contribute positively to U.S. society
Conclusion: Protect Your Status with Professional Guidance
Understandably, many immigrants and nonimmigrants are anxious about how this travel ban might affect their status or future plans. It’s important to note that, at present, this order primarily impacts individuals outside the United States from the listed countries.
If you are already in the U.S. from one of these countries, staying put is generally the safest course of action. For everyone else, the executive order should not immediately impact your status, though visa processing rules could continue to evolve.
With these developments, it’s essential to consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link to understand how the policy changes may apply to your situation. Whether you are a resident of one of the affected countries or a professional seeking to work legally in the U.S., our immigration attorneys can guide you through the legal requirements and help safeguard your immigration status.
To schedule a consultation with one of the experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link, simply complete our contact form to have your questions answered and receive personalized guidance on your immigration options.