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The Trump Administration’s travel ban has caused delays and uncertainty for many green card petitioners. If you are affected by the travel ban, read this blog post to learn more about your options.
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Introduction
Since the United States Supreme Court’s decision on June 26, 2018, to upholding the Trump administration’s travel ban, many green card applicants have been impacted. In this article, we will discuss the different ways that the travel ban can affect green card holders and their families.
What is the travel ban?
The travel ban is a policy implemented by the Trump administration that restricts travel to the United States from certain countries. The countries affected by the travel ban vary depending on the version of the policy, but currently include Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Yemen, and North Korea. The policy has been subject to legal challenges and has been revised multiple times since it was first introduced.
Who is impacted by the travel ban?
The Trump Administration’s travel ban, which was enacted in January of 2017, caused widespread confusion and anxiety among green card holders and other immigrants. The ban prevented citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States, and it also placed new restrictions on refugees.
Although the ban has been lifted for now, it is still having a major impact on green card holders and other immigrants. If you are planning to petition for a green card, it is important to understand how the travel ban may affect you.
Here are some key things to keep in mind:
-If you are a citizen of one of the seven countries listed in the travel ban (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria or Yemen), you may have difficulty getting your green card petition approved. Even if you have already been approved for a green card, the travel ban may make it difficult for you to actually enter the United States.
-If you are a refugee or asylum seeker, the Trump Administration’s travel ban has placed new restrictions on your ability to enter the United States. If you are planning to petition for a green card, it is important to understand how these changes may affect you.
-If you are planning to bring family members to the United States through a family-based green card petition, the travel ban may impact your ability to do so. For example, if your spouse is from one of the banned countries, he or she may not be able to enter the United States even if your green card petition is approved.
-Even if you are not directly impacted by the travel ban, changes in U.S. immigration policy under the Trump Administration could still affect your ability to get a green card. For example, if you are planning to apply for a green card through employment, there have been changes in eligibility requirements and procedures that you should be aware of.
How does the travel ban impact green card petitioners?
The Trump Administration recently announced a travel ban that suspends the issuance of visas to citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen. The ban also suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days.
This travel ban will have a direct impact on green card petitioners from the affected countries. For example, if you are a green card holder from one of the countries on the list and you have been outside of the United States for more than six months, you will not be able to re-enter the country until the ban is lifted.
If you are currently in the United States on a valid visa, your status will not be affected by the travel ban. However, it is important to keep in mind that all visa holders are subject to additional security screening when entering the United States. This means that you may experience delays at airports or other ports of entry.
What are the possible solutions for green card petitioners impacted by the travel ban?
There are a few possible solutions for green card petitioners impacted by the travel ban. One is to apply for a waiver from the US government. Another is to try to get a green card through another country. And finally, some people are choosing to self-petition for a green card.
Conclusion
As of now, it is unclear how the Trump Administration’s travel ban will impact those who have already applied for or been granted a green card. However, it is important to note that the executive order specifically targets those who have not yet been granted a green card. If you are currently in possession of a green card, you are not affected by the travel ban.
FAQ
1. What is the travel ban?
The travel ban is a measure that was put in place by the Trump administration in 2017. It bars citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen) from entering the United States.
2. How does the travel ban impact green card holders?
The travel ban can impact green card holders in a few ways. If you are a green card holder from one of the seven countries listed above, you may be barred from returning to the United States if you leave. Additionally, if you have family members who are citizens of one of the banned countries, they may not be able to obtain a green card or enter the United States on a visa.
3. What is the status of the travel ban?
The travel ban has been challenged in court and its legality is currently being debated. As of now, it is still in effect.
Glossary
Asylum: Seeking refuge from persecution in your home country. You must prove that you cannot return to your home country because you have a well-founded fear of persecution on account of your race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion.
Beneficiary: The foreign national who will receive the benefit of an immigrant petition filed by another person or organization.
Conditional Permanent Resident: A person who has been granted lawful permanent resident status on a conditional basis. A conditional permanent resident must file a petition to remove the conditions on their status within 90 days of the second anniversary of receiving their green card.
Diversity Visa Lottery: The United States makes about 55,000 immigrant visas available each year through a lottery system. Each year, people from countries with low rates of immigration to the United States are chosen at random to receive immigrant visas that allow them to become permanent residents of the United States.
Employment Authorization Document (EAD): A card issued by USCIS that proves that the holder is authorized to work in the United States. An EAD is also known as a work permit.
Green Card: Also known as a Permanent Resident Card, this is the document issued by USCIS that proves that the holder is authorized to live and work permanently in the United States. Most new immigrants receive what is called a conditional green card, which becomes permanent after two years if certain conditions are met.
Immigrant Petition for Alien Worker: A petition filed with USCIS by an employer on behalf of a foreign national whom they wish to sponsor for an employment-based immigrant visa. Also known as an I-140 petition. I-130 Petition for Alien Relative: A petition filed with USCIS by a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident on behalf of a foreign national relative whom they wish to sponsor for an immigrant visa
Resources
Below are a few resources for those who may be impacted by the travel ban:
-The American Immigration Council has compiled a list of resources for those affected by the travel ban.
-The International Refugee Assistance Project has a travel ban resource page with updated information and links to legal assistance.
-The National Immigration Law Center has a travel ban information page with updates and links to resources.
Further Reading
If you are a green card holder affected by the travel ban, please consult the following resources for more information:
-A guide to the executive order for legal permanent residents and visa holders: https://www.aclunc.org/blog/guide-executive-order-legal-permanent-residents-and-visa-holders
-Frequently asked questions about the executive order and its impact on green card holders: https://www.uscis.gov/news/alerts/frequently-asked-questions-about-executive-order-Protecting-the-Nation-from–2
-“What the Executive Order on Visas and Refugees Means for Permanent Residents”: https://www.nolo.com/legal-articles/what-executive-order–visas–refugees–means–permanent–residents-.html
