The Trump administration’s new travel ban expansion recently went into effect. Prior to its expansion, the ban already barred immigrants from:
Iran
Libya
North Korea
Syria
Yemen
This has some immigrant families expressing fear and concern about how they and their families will be impacted, many of whom may have been waiting years for U.S. visas. Here’s who may be affected by the new U.S. travel ban expansion.
How the New Ban Works
As of Feb. 22, 2020, the ban went into effect for six new countries:
Myanmar
Eritrea
Kyrgyzstan
Nigeria
Sudan
Tanzania
Citizens of these countries may still visit the U.S., but most are not allowed to settle here permanently. The Trump administration stated that the travel ban is “vital to national security and ensures countries meet U.S. security needs.” However, many immigrant advocate groups argue that these countries are not imminent risks to national security.
In addition, citizens from Sudan and Tanzania are barred from the U.S. diversity visa program. Also known as “the green-card lottery,” this program aims to diversify the U.S. immigrant population by seeking applicants from counties with lower immigration rates. Nigeria is already excluded from the lottery.
Who Is Not Affected
The ban does not apply to:
Existing visa holders
Refugees
Student visas
Certain foreign temporary workers
Visas reserved for potential employees with specialized skills
Immigrants traveling on tourist visas
The travel ban will undoubtedly affect thousands of immigrants and their families. If you need help with immigration services, Maney | Gordon | Zeller is here to hear your story and provide you with caring, trustworthy, and skillful legal representation.
Contact our firm at (800) 708-4399 to speak with one of our immigration attorneys. We offer services in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Thai.
