Here are some key things to keep in mind in light of President Trump’s most recent Executive Order regarding immigrant and non-immigrant citizens and refugees of certain countries:
- The Executive Order applies to all individuals “from” the seven designated countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. That can include Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs), non-immigrant visa holders, immigrant visa holders, refugees, derivative asylees, Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs), etc.
- Anyone who holds a passport from a designated country is “from” there—this includes dual citizens.
- Until we have clarity on the ability of a certain person to gain entry, we advise anyone from a designated country not to travel outside the United States.
- If you, an employee, or someone you know, is from a designated country and is already outside the US, obtain his or her return date and current status and contact us so that we may determine his or her ability to re-enter the US at that time.
- Further study regarding this new vetting process is needed, and the little information that is available does not allow us to provide answers on the process or timing with much certainty.
- The order itself and the court cases associated with it are constantly evolving, so please make sure you have the most up to date information prior to making a decision.
We also anticipate another Executive Order to be signed sometime soon that may impact the way in which visas are issued at Consulates. This could include additional vetting as well as prohibiting the waiver of an interview, meaning all applicants may be required to attend an interview at the Consulate. Please be prepared to adapt to these new procedures and reach out to us if you have any questions.
We will provide updates on the ever-changing immigration environment as often as we are able, but please do not hesitate to call or email us if you have any questions, concerns, or issues.
