Donald Trump signed an executive order cutting off refugee admissions and temporarily banning travel to the U.S. for immigrants and nonimmigrants from seven Muslim-majority countries: Libya, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia. The hastily imposed order has left many people anxious about traveling outside the U.S. or, worse still, wondering if they are going to be able to get back in if they are abroad. Much confusion still reigns and information changes daily. 

Is this a "Muslim ban?"   

The ban on travel from seven Muslim-majority countries and potential exception for Christians fleeing persecution when the refugee program is resumed indicates that the President is attempting to implement his campaign promise to shut down the entry of Muslims into the U.S. However, the administration is insisting it is not a ban on Muslims because other Muslim-majority countries are not included. However, certain countries whose citizens were responsible for the 9/11 attacks were not included either, sparking speculation that this is due to the presence of President Trump's business ties in those countries.

Are permanent residents (green card holders) subject to the travel ban?

Officials initially said that legal residents and dual nationals could not enter the U.S. either. Later, the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security stated that green card holders' entrance is "in the national interest." It appears now that permanent residents from the affected countries will no longer be subject to questioning unless there is a "serious threat to public safety" but may be subject to secondary inspection upon arrival.

What if I am currently abroad and scheduled to return to the U.S. but I'm subject to the ban? What should I do?

If you are a nonimmigrant with a temporary visa and come from one of the seven countries affected by the ban, you may not be allowed to board an airline or enter the U.S. Current nonimmigrant visas may be considered cancelled. You may use a passport from a non-affected country if you are a dual national. If possible, consult with legal counsel to discuss your situation, and the airport you would fly into, before you make plans. Have a signed G28 with you if you can. 

If you arrive in the U.S. and are questioned, make sure you have proof of your need to enter (job, house, family, schooling etc.), any U.S. citizen relatives, and the name of your Congressional representative or senator and ask to speak to an attorney. If you are afraid of what will happen to you if you are returned to your home country, explain your need for asylum. If you are in the U.S., do not travel.

What will happen next?

One or more federal courts have blocked implementation of the order or part of the order, which means that in New York no one can be removed under the ban who has already arrived. Companies and universities as well as many members of the public have spoken out against the ban. Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans are calling for revisions or rescission of the order. As of now, the order is still in effect.

Laurie J. Woog