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This memorandum directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, to "take all actions he deems appropriate, consistent with applicable law, to preserve and fortify DACA."

Proclamation Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States

On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a .

This action rescinds prior Executive Order 9983 issued on Friday, January 31, 2020 and 9645 issued on September 24, 2017 which impacted citizens of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar (also known as Burma), Nigeria, Sudan, Tanzania, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen.

References:

A full history of the

Individuals in F, J, and M status who failed to maintain their status before Aug. 9, 2018, will start accruing unlawful presence on that date based on that failure, unless they had already started accruing unlawful presence, on the earliest of any of the following:

The day after DHS denied the request for an immigration benefit, if DHS made a formal finding that the individual violated his or her nonimmigrant status while adjudicating a request for another immigration benefit;
The day after their I-94 expired; or
The day after an immigration judge or in certain cases, the Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA), ordered them excluded, deported, or removed (whether or not the decision is appealed).
Individuals in F, J, or M status who fail to maintain their status on or after Aug. 9, 2018, will start accruing unlawful presence on the earliest of any of the following:       

The day after they no longer pursue the course of study or the authorized activity, or the day after they engage in an unauthorized activity;
The day after completing the course of study or program, including any authorized practical training plus any authorized grace period;
The day after the I-94 expires; or
The day after an immigration judge, or in certain cases, the BIA, orders them excluded, deported, or removed (whether or not the decision is appealed).
Individuals who have accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence during a single stay, and then depart, may be subject to three-year or 10-year bars to admission, depending on how much unlawful presence they accrued before they departed the United States. Individuals who have accrued a total period of more than one year of unlawful presence, whether in a single stay or during multiple stays in the United States, and who then reenter or attempt to reenter the United States without being admitted or paroled are permanently inadmissible.

Those subject to the three-year, 10-year, or permanent unlawful presence bars to admission are generally not eligible to apply for a visa, admission, or adjustment of status to permanent residence unless they are eligible for a waiver of inadmissibility or another form of relief.

This policy memorandum is updating Chapter 40.9.2 of the USCIS Adjudicator鈥檚 Field Manual.

 OIIA note: If you are currently in the U.S. on a terminated or expired I-20 or DS-2019, we urge you to take this policy under serious consideration. If you wish to stay in the U.S., we recommend that you seek the guidance of an . The staff in the Office of Immigration and International Admissions will not be able to give you advice on unlawful presence days once your status has been violated.

On June 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the third version of President Trump鈥檚 travel ban. The 5-4 decision in Trump v. Hawaii, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, held that the third version of President鈥檚 travel ban did not exceed his authority under the immigration statute. The majority refused to consider the President鈥檚 statements on excluding Muslims from the United States, holding that the Presidential directive was neutral on its face and addressed a matter within the core of his responsibility. Miller Mayer immigration attorney Steve Yale-Loehr commented on the decision, noting that 鈥淸t]he Supreme Court鈥檚 decision was unsurprising. Because immigration touches on national sovereignty and foreign relations, courts have generally deferred to the president on immigration issues.鈥� Individuals affected by the travel ban may apply for waivers. Contact your immigration attorney for specific advice.

 

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a policy memorandum on May 10, 2018, 鈥淎ccrual of Unlawful Presence and F, J, and M Nonimmigrants.鈥� The memo provides guidance to USCIS officers and 鈥渁ssists USCIS officers in the calculation of unlawful presence of those in student (F nonimmigrant), exchange visitor (J nonimmigrant), or vocational student (M nonimmigrant) status and their dependents while in the United States.鈥� The memo also revises previous policy guidance in the USCIS Adjudicator鈥檚 Field Manual relating to this issue. The new guidance takes effect August 9, 2018.

The new policy states various ways in which F, J, and M nonimmigrants and their dependents begin accruing unlawful presence. For example, F, J, and M nonimmigrants who failed to maintain nonimmigrant status before August 9, 2018, will start accruing unlawful presence based on that failure on August 9, 2018, unless the nonimmigrant had already started accruing unlawful presence based on several scenarios.

Individuals who have accrued more than 180 days of unlawful presence during a single stay, and then depart, may be subject to 3-year or 10-year bars to admission, depending on how much unlawful presence they accrued before they departed the United States. Individuals who have accrued a total period of more than one year of unlawful presence, whether in a single stay or during multiple stays in the United States, and who then reenter or attempt to reenter the United States without being admitted or paroled, are permanently inadmissible, USCIS said.

USCIS said this new policy supersedes existing policy, which is that foreign students (F nonimmigrants) and exchange visitors (J nonimmigrants) who were admitted for, or present in the United States in, duration of status started accruing unlawful presence only after USCIS formally found a nonimmigrant status violation while adjudicating a request for another immigrant benefit or only after an immigration judge ordered the applicant excluded, deported, or removed (whether or not the decision was appealed), whichever came first. F and J nonimmigrants, and foreign vocational students (M nonimmigrants), who were admitted until a specific date certain accrued unlawful presence on the day after their Form I-94 expired, on the day after USCIS formally found a nonimmigrant status violation while adjudicating a request for another immigration benefit, or on the day after an immigration judge ordered the applicant excluded, deported, or removed (whether or not the decision was appealed), whichever came first.

Special Student Relief For Syrian F-1 Students

Special Student Relief (SSR) benefits are available until September 30, 2019, to certain F-1 students from Syria who are 鈥渆xperiencing severe economic hardship as a direct result of civil unrest in Syria since March 2011.鈥� Students with benefits expiring on March 31, 2018 under the prior notice will have to take action to extend those SSR benefits. Students interested in these benefits should visit  or contact an .

New Court Orders on Presidential Proclamation 鈥� December 4, 2017

On December 4, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court granted the government鈥檚 motions for emergency stays of preliminary injunctions issued by U.S. District Courts in the Districts of Hawaii and Maryland.  The preliminary injunctions had prohibited the government from fully enforcing or implementing the entry restrictions of Presidential Proclamation 9645 (P.P.) titled 鈥淓nhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry into the United States by Terrorists or other Public-Safety Threats鈥� to nationals of six countries:  Chad, Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia.  Per the Supreme Court鈥檚 orders, those restrictions will be implemented fully, in accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, around the world, beginning December 8 at open of business, local time. 

The District Court injunctions did not affect implementation of entry restrictions against nationals from North Korea and Venezuela.  Those individuals remain subject to the restrictions and limitations listed in the Presidential Proclamation, which went into effect at 12:01 a.m. eastern time on Wednesday, October 18, 2017, with respect to nationals of those countries.

Additional Background:  The President issued Presidential Proclamation 9645 on September 24, 2017.  Per Section 2 of Executive Order 13780 of March 6, 2017 (Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States), a global review was conducted to determine what additional information is needed from each foreign country to assess whether foreign nationals who seek to enter the United States pose a security or safety threat.  As part of that review, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) developed a comprehensive set of criteria to evaluate the information-sharing practices, policies, and capabilities of foreign governments on a worldwide basis.  At the end of that review, which included a 50-day period of engagement with foreign governments aimed at improving their information sharing practices, there were seven countries whose information sharing practices were determined to be 鈥渋nadequate鈥� and for which the President deemed it necessary to impose certain restrictions on the entry of nonimmigrants and immigrants who are nationals of these countries.  The President also deemed it necessary to impose restrictions on one country due to the 鈥渟pecial concerns鈥� it presented.  These restrictions are considered important to addressing the threat these existing information-sharing deficiencies, among other things, present to the security and welfare of the United States and pressuring host governments to remedy these deficiencies.

Nationals of the eight countries are subject to various travel restrictions contained in the Proclamation, as outlined in the following table, subject to exceptions and waivers set forth in the Proclamation.  

We will not cancel previously scheduled visa application appointments.  In accordance with the Presidential Proclamation, for nationals of the eight designated countries, a consular officer will make a determination whether an applicant otherwise eligible for a visa is exempt from the Proclamation or, if not, may be eligible for a waiver under the Proclamation and therefore issued a visa.

No visas will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation.  Individuals subject to the Proclamation who possess a valid visa or valid travel document generally will be permitted to travel to the United States, irrespective of when the visa was issued.

We will keep those traveling to the United States and our partners in the travel industry informed as we implement the order in a professional, organized, and timely way.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the exceptions in the Proclamation?

The following exceptions apply to nationals from all eight countries and will not be subject to any travel restrictions listed in the Proclamation:

a)     Any national who was in the United States on the applicable effective date described in Section 7 of the Proclamation for that national, regardless of immigration status;

b)     Any national who had a valid visa on the applicable effective date in Section 7 of the Proclamation for that national;

c)     Any national who qualifies for a visa or other valid travel document under section 6(d) of the Proclamation;

d)     Any lawful permanent resident (LPR) of the United States;

e)     Any national who is admitted to or paroled into the United States on or after the applicable effective date in Section 7 of the Proclamation for that national;

f)      Any applicant who has a document other than a visa, valid on the applicable effective date in Section 7 of the Proclamation for that applicant or issued on any date thereafter, that permits him or her to travel to the United States and seek entry or admission, such as advance parole;

g)     Any dual national of a country designated under the Proclamation when traveling on a passport issued by a non-designated country;

h)     Any applicant traveling on a diplomatic (A-1 or A-2) or diplomatic-type visa (of any classification), NATO-1 -6 visas, C-2 visa for travel to the United Nations, or G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-4 visa; except certain Venezuelan government officials and their family members traveling on a diplomatic-type B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas 

i)      Any applicant who has been granted asylum; admitted to the United States as a refugee; or has been granted withholding of removal, advance parole, or protection under the Convention Against Torture.

Exceptions and waivers listed in the Proclamation are applicable for qualified applicants.  In all visa adjudications, consular officers may seek additional information, as warranted, to determine whether an exception or a waiver is available.  

If a principal visa applicant qualifies for an exception or a waiver under the Proclamation, does a derivative also get the benefit of the exception or waiver?

Each applicant, who is otherwise eligible, can only benefit from an exception or a waiver if he or she individually meets the conditions of the exception or waiver. 

Does the Proclamation apply to dual nationals?

This Proclamation does not restrict the travel of dual nationals, so long as they are traveling on the passport of a non-designated country. 

Our embassies and consulates around the world will process visa applications and issue nonimmigrant and immigrant visas to otherwise eligible visa applicants who apply with a passport from a non-designated country, even if they hold dual nationality from one of the eight restricted countries. 

Does this apply to U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents?

No.  As stated in the Proclamation, lawful permanent residents of the United States are not affected by the Proclamation

Are there special rules for permanent residents of Canada?

Waivers may not be granted categorically to any group of nationals of the eight countries who are subject to visa restrictions pursuant to the Proclamation, but waivers may be appropriate in individual circumstances, on a case-by-case basis.  The Proclamation lists several circumstances in which case-by-case waivers may be appropriate.  That list includes foreign nationals who are Canadian permanent residents who apply for visas at a U.S. consular section in Canada.  Canadian permanent residents should bring proof of their status to a consular officer.

A consular officer will carefully review each case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation during each phase of the implementation and, if so, whether the applicant qualifies for an exception or a waiver.

Will you process waivers for those affected by the Proclamation?  How do I qualify for a waiver to be issued a visa?

As specified in the Proclamation, consular officers may issue a visa based on a listed waiver category to nationals of countries identified in the PP on a case-by-case basis, when they determine: that issuance is in the national interest, the applicant poses no national security or public safety threat to the United States, and denial of the visa would cause undue hardship.  There is no separate application for a waiver.  An individual who seeks to travel to the United States should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might demonstrate that he or she is eligible for a waiver.

What is a 鈥渃lose family member鈥� for the purposes of determining if someone is eligible for a waiver?   

Section 201(b) of the INA provides a definition of immediate relative, which is used to interpret the term 鈥渃lose family member鈥� as used in the waiver category.  This limits the relationship to spouses, children under the age of 21, and parents.  While the INA definition includes only children, spouses, and parents of a U.S. citizen, in the context of the Presidential Proclamation it also includes these relationships with LPRs and aliens lawfully admitted on a valid nonimmigrant visa in addition to U.S. citizens.

Can those needing urgent medical care in the United States still qualify for a visa?

Applicants who are otherwise qualified and seeking urgent medical care in the United States may be eligible for an exception or a waiver.  Any individual who seeks to travel to the United States should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might qualify the individual for an exception or waiver.  A consular officer will carefully review each case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation, and if so, whether the case qualifies for an exception or a waiver.

The Proclamation provides several examples of categories of cases that may be appropriate for consideration for a waiver, on a case-by-case basis, when in the national interest, when entry would not threaten national security or public safety, and denial would cause undue hardship.  Among the examples provided, a foreign national who seeks to enter the United States for urgent medical care may be considered for a waiver.

I鈥檓 a student or short-term employee that was temporarily outside of the United States when the Proclamation went into effect.  Can I return to school/work?

If you have a valid, unexpired visa and are outside the United States, you can return to school or work per the exception noted in the Proclamation.

If you do not have a valid, unexpired visa and do not qualify for an exception you will need to qualify for the visa and a waiver.  An individual who wishes to apply for a nonimmigrant visa should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might demonstrate that he or she is eligible for a waiver per the Proclamation.  A consular officer will carefully review each case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation and, if so, whether the case qualifies for a waiver.  

I received my immigrant visa but I haven鈥檛 yet entered the United States.  Can I still travel there using my immigrant visa?

The Proclamation provides specifically that no visas issued before the effective date of the Proclamation will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation, and it does not apply to nationals of affected countries who have valid visas on the date it becomes effective. 

I recently had my immigrant visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas, but my case is still being considered.  What will happen now?

If your visa application was refused under Section 221(g) pending updated supporting documents or administrative processing, you should proceed to submit your documentation.  After receiving any required missing documentation or completion of any administrative processing, the U.S. embassy or consulate where you were interviewed will contact you with more information.

I am currently working on my case with NVC.  Can I continue?

Yes.  You should continue to pay fees, complete your Form DS-260 immigrant visa applications, and submit your financial and civil supporting documents to NVC.  NVC will continue reviewing cases and scheduling visa interviews overseas.  During the interview, a consular officer will carefully review the case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation and, if so, whether the case qualifies for an exception or may qualify for a waiver.

What immigrant visa classes are subject to the Proclamation?

All immigrant visa classifications for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia are subject to the Proclamation and restricted.  All immigrant visa classifications for nationals of Venezuela are unrestricted.  An individual who wishes to apply for an immigrant visa should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might demonstrate that he or she is eligible for an exception or waiver per the Proclamation.  A consular officer will carefully review each case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation and, if so, whether the case qualifies for an exception or a waiver.

I sponsored my family member for an immigrant visa, and his interview appointment is after the effective date of the Proclamation.  Will he still be able to receive a visa?

All immigrant visa classifications for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Yemen, and Somalia are subject to the Presidential Proclamation and suspended.  An individual who wishes to apply for an immigrant visa should apply for a visa and disclose during the visa interview any information that might demonstrate that he or she is eligible for an exception or waiver per the Proclamation.  A consular officer will carefully review each case to determine whether the applicant is affected by the Proclamation and, if so, whether the applicant qualifies for an exception or a waiver.

I am applying for a K (fianc茅) visa. My approved I-129 petition is only valid for four months.  Can you expedite my case?

The National Visa Center already expedites all Form I-129F petitions to embassies and consulates overseas.  Upon receipt of the petition and case file, the embassy or consulate will contact you with instructions on scheduling your interview appointment.

I received my Diversity Visa but I haven鈥檛 yet entered the United States. Can I still travel there using my Diversity Visa?

The Proclamation provides specifically that no visas issued before the effective date of the Proclamation will be revoked pursuant to the Proclamation, and it does not apply to nationals of affected countries who have valid visas on the date it becomes effective. 

I recently had my Diversity Visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate overseas, but my case is still being considered.  What will happen now?

If your visa application was refused under Section 221(g) pending updated supporting documents or administrative processing, please provide the requested information.  The U.S. embassy or consulate where you were interviewed will contact you with more information.

Will my case move to the back of the line for an appointment?

No.  KCC schedules appointments by Lottery Rank Number.  When KCC is able to schedule your visa interview, you will receive an appointment before cases with higher Lottery Rank Numbers.

I am currently working on my case with KCC.  Can I continue?

Yes.  You should continue to complete your Form DS-260 immigrant visa application.  KCC will continue reviewing cases and can qualify your case for an appointment.  You will be notified about the scheduling of a visa interview.

What if my spouse or child is a national of one of the countries listed, but I am not?

KCC will continue to schedule new DV interview appointments for nationals of the affected countries.  A national of any of those countries applying as a principal or derivative DV applicant should disclose during the visa interview any information that might qualify the individual for a waiver/exception.  Note that DV 2018 visas, including derivative visas, can only be issued during the program year, which ends September 30, 2018, and only if visa numbers remain available.  There is no guarantee a visa will be available in the future for your derivative spouse or child.  

What if I am a dual national or permanent resident of Canada?

This Proclamation does not restrict the travel of dual nationals, so long as they are traveling on the passport of a non-designated country.  You may apply for a DV using the passport of a non-designated country even if you selected the nationality of a designated country when you entered