President Trump and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have added Chad, North Korea and Venezuela to the list of countries subject to a travel ban. Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Somalia are again included in the order, while restrictions placed on the Sudan have been lifted.
“The White House has now established clearer criteria and a process for evaluating the admission of foreign visitors into the United States as well as a willingness to engage with other countries to assist them in meeting the mutual beneficial goal of safe travel,” said Michael W. McCormick, Global Business Travel Association (GBTA) executive director and COO. “Through this process, the federal government was able to raise the level of security for travel into the United States through constructive bilateral engagement.”
“However, the damage from the previous executive orders has been done,” McCormick said. “The initial comprehensive January and March travel bans have created the perception that the United States is closed for business. While security is paramount, the White House should now work to counter that perception. The resulting losses in business travel and trade have left a lasting negative impact on our economy."
The travel ban on those who lack a credible claim of a bonda fide relationship with a person or entity of the United States took effect September 24 at 3:30 p.m. ET. The restrictions and limitations take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on October 18, 2017, for all other foreign nationals subject to the ban, and for nationals of Chad, North Korea, and Venezuela.
The restrictions do not apply to lawful permanent residents, any dual national of a country designated, any foreign national traveling on a diplomatic or diplomatic-type visa or any foreign national who has been granted asylum; any refugee who has already been admitted to the United States, among other exceptions. Individuals with valid visas are also exempt.
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