President Trump Signs Revised Travel Ban, Exempting Iraq

Late this morning, President Trump signed a revised version of his travel ban, which was originally blocked by a federal court in February. The new travel ban, which will take effect on March 16, names six countries, omitting Iraq reportedly because the country is increasing cooperation with US security vetting measures. Like its predecessor, the revised travel ban will suspend the refugee program for 120 days and limit immigration from the six countries — Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen — for the next 90 days. Citizens from the six countries who are outside of the US and don't have a visa will not be able to travel to the US for 90 days.

This revised version, which President Trump signed out of public view, includes other exemptions such as:

• Any dual national from one of the aforementioned six nations when the individual is traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country
• Lawful permanent residents of the US (green card holders)
• Those who have been granted asylum or refugee status

In addition, the revised executive order details that the refugee program will no longer single out Syrian refugees — they will be treated the same way as refugees from other nations. The new refugee program will not accept more than 50,000 refugees per year, and does not go into effect until after the 120-day suspension. The 50,000 refugee cap is down from the 110,000 number set by the Obama administration.

According to the Washington Post, anyone who has a visa should be able to get into the country without problem, but when their visa expires, they will have to reapply.

To recap: The major changes in this revised executive order — compared to the prior one — is that there are 10 days of advance notice and the plan excludes Iraq from the ban list. In addition, the new travel ban will suspend the visa process for citizens of the six aforementioned countries for 90 days as the administration analyzes how to enhance vetting procedures.

Read prior posts about the travel ban:

The Trump Travel Ban — New Rules For Immigrants, Refugees and US Citizens
Are Green Card Holders Exempt From the Trump Travel Ban?
Travel Industry Reacts to President Trump’s Immigration Ban
Immigrant Travel Ban Remains Blocked Following Appeals Court Ruling
Airlines Waiving Change Fees For Passengers Affected by the Trump Travel Ban
Homeland Security Halts Enforcement of Immigrant Travel Ban Following Judge’s Order