Immigration experts expect less disruption as travel ban goes forward
Far fewer travelers affected by version OK’d by high court
President Trump’s first travel ban targeting majority- Muslim countries in January unleashed chaos around the world, as foreigners were stopped from boarding flights overseas and detained or deported after reaching U. S. airports.
That broad ban was quickly halted by federal courts. But at 8 p. m. ET Thursday, a scaled- down version was to go into effect with the blessing of the Supreme Court.
Immigration experts expect less disruption because far fewer travelers will be affected: those from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen without close ties to the USA.
State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said Thursday the department created its list of qualified relatives based on a definition of family found in the Immigration and Nationality Act. That is why the administration will treat a daughter- in- law as a relative but not a grandparent or fiancée.
Nauert said refugees who have been approved to enter the country by July 6 will be allowed to do so, but those planning to arrive after will be subject to the ban.
The State Department also said foreigners who have interviews scheduled at U. S. consulates for visas will be able to continue that process. But, they may end up being refused entry if they cannot show strong ties to the U. S.
VISITORS ADMITTED
Legal permanent residents ( green card holders) of the U. S.
Foreign nationals already approved for a short- term visa, or have already begun their visa application process.
People already approved for refugee status. uAnyone who has a close relative living in the U. S. That includes a parent, spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son- in- law, daughterin- law or sibling.
People who have a standing job offer from a U. S. company.
Students accepted by a U. S. university.
VISITORS BARRED
Anyone who lacks what the Supreme Court said is a “bona fide relationship” with a U. S. person or entity.
People who have relatives in the U. S. who aren’t “close” enough, such as grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers- in- law and sisters- inlaw, and fiancées. uFirst- time tourists.