The Immigration Executive Order for the travel ban and subsequent events of the past few days have caused concern and confusion. This post is to provide some information and hopefully some clarity. For the next 90 days, nearly all travelers, except U.S. citizens, traveling on passports from Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen will be temporarily suspended from entry to the United States. Importantly, however, Lawful Permanent Residents of the United States traveling on a valid I-551 will be allowed to board U.S. bound aircraft and will be assessed for exceptions at arrival ports of entry, as appropriate. The entry of these individuals, subject to national security checks, is in the national interest. Therefore, we expect swift entry for these individuals.
The Executive Order does not prohibit entry of, or visa issuance to, travelers with diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas. The Department of State will restrict the Visa Interview Waiver Program and require additional nonimmigrant visa applicants to undergo an in-person interview. USCIS: All pending immigration benefits applications on behalf of nationals of the affected countries within the U.S., including petitions for asylum, adjustment of status, and naturalization, would be suspended indefinitely.
Government officials often ask for immigrants and foreign travelers to hand over their phone so the official can scroll through social media information and more. There have been reports of CBP asking to see social media and phones of travelers. So please use caution on what you post. There have also been reports of Lawful Permanent Residents signing Form I-407. PLEASE DO NOT DO SO. Please advise anyone you know who is a Lawful Permanent Resident coming into the U.S. especially from these specific countries, to not sign the form. Signing this form indicates that the person has decided voluntarily to abandon status as a Lawful Permanent Resident Status (green card holder).
Please see attached document and the following links for information on your rights
https://www.nilc.org/issues/immigration-enforcement/everyone-has-certain-basic-rights/ara
We are expecting some more E.O’s relating to Immigration which may have further impacts. Therefore, in an abundance of caution, our advice to our clients on valid visas, regardless of which country you are from, is to refrain from travel for the immediate future. Lawsuits have already been filed relating to this particular E.O. This is a fluid situation and we will be emailing you periodically on any relevant updates.
Should you have any questions, please contact our office. Thank you.