What to Know About the Revised Travel Ban That Takes Effect Today
Earlier this week, the US Supreme Court announced that it reviewed President Trump's travel ban policy, allowing it to go into partial effect. While the court isn't going to hear arguments on the travel ban until its next term in October, as of tonight — Thursday June 29 — at 8:00pm ET, the "watered down" version of the travel ban will officially take effect.
Since it's traveled down many twists and turns and is substantially different than the original ban that was first announced, we're breaking it down for you. Here's what you need to know about the ban, which takes effect tonight:
Who's Barred From Entering the US?
One fundamental aspect of the original ban remains: there are six countries involved including Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen.
A modification in the new ban, however, is that there are more ways for people from those countries to enter the US. According to the Supreme Court's announcement on Monday, citizens from any of the aforementioned six countries can continue to enter the US if they have a "credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States."
Some examples of a "bona fide relationship" in these terms include:
- visiting a close family member
- students who have been admitted to a university
- workers who have accepted an employment offer
- refugees with a US connection
According to The New York Times, "close family" is defined as "a parent (including parent-in-law), spouse, child, adult son or daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, sibling, whether whole or half. This includes step relationships." What doesn't count as family? "Grandparents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law, fiancés and any other 'extended' family members."
In addition, a State Department cable (a message designated for people with appropriate security clearance) more closely detailed what would constitute a bona fide relationship. For example, someone who has received an invitation to deliver a lecture at an American university can enter the country. However, a hotel reservation does not count as a bona fide relationship, regardless of whether or not it's been paid for.
If you're a citizen of any of the six aforementioned countries and don't have a bona fide relationship, you'll be unable to enter the country for 90 days. That time period jumps up to 120 days if you're a refugee from any country.
Who's Allowed to Enter the US?
If you're a citizen of any of the six countries with a bona fide relationship that fits into any of the categories mentioned above, you'll be able to enter the US. According to CNN, the following groups of people will also be able to enter the US:
- US citizens
- Legal permanent residents (green-card holders)
- Current visa holders
- Any visa applicant who was in the US as of June 26, 2017
- Dual nationals
- Anyone granted asylum
- A refugee already admitted to the US
It's worth noting that if you have a visa that's already been approved, it will not be revoked and you'll be allowed to enter the US. In addition, anyone can be issued a visa at the discretion of the DHS and State Department, regardless of if they would otherwise be excluded on a case-by-case basis.
The implementation of this version of the ban comes months after President Trump first issued a travel ban in January. Monday's Supreme Court announcement overturned the ruling of lower courts that had previously blocked it from moving forward.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.