PRESIDENT TRUMP’S EXECUTIVE ORDER SUSPENDED

Posted February 13, 2017

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the ruling of a lower federal court that places a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the provisions of President Trump’s controversial Executive Order suspending for 90 days visa travel into the United States from Iran, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya.  Citizens from these countries who have been issued valid visas may again travel to U.S. ports-of-entry and request admission in their visa category.

Any legal challenge remaining would be taken by the U.S. Department of Justice, by appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court.  It is important to note that the legal (or ‘substantive’) merits of the case — in other words, the legality of the order under the U.S. Constitution — have not been argued or decided.  A ‘TRO’ temporarily stops an act based on likelihood of the challengers eventual legal success. . . in the opinion of the court issuing or upholding the TRO.

In  short, while the visa restriction provisions of the Executive Order have been suspended, it remains to be seen whether it may ultimately succeed or fail on the legal merits.  President Trump may decide to withdraw the order and issue a new Executive Order that is more narrowly designed to withstand legal challenges.

Part of the current Executive Order remains in effect.  The 120 day ban on refugee admissions has not been suspended, however waivers are available in certain cases.

These are serious legal issues with widespread ramifications for U.S. immigration law.  Check back for updates as we monitor the evolving law and politics of President Trump’s sweeping Executive Order.

 

 

 

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Waiting for Clarifications on Travel Ban

Posted January 29, 2017

There is much confusion and consternation stemming from President Trump’s Executive Order banning travel into the United States for a 90-day period from seven countries: Iraq, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan and Libya.  Individuals with non-immigrant visas and passports from those countries are being prohibited from boarding flights to the U.S.  Permanent Residents (green card holders) from each of the seven countries in some cases are being turned back at ports-of-entry.  Many in the U.S. immigration law community eagerly await clarification from the federal government as to whether the ban applies to green card holders.

In the meantime, the situation remains fluid and all travelers from these countries, including those within the United States with visas who may be set to expire, are advised to put travel plans on hold and seek immigration counsel.  Further information will be posted as it becomes available.

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USCIS Posts Information About DACA and DAPA

Posted February 3, 2015

United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has posted information and general guidance online regarding the upcoming programs for expanded deferred action proposed by President Obama.  Read about the programs here.  Expanded rules for DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), including a three-year grant of deferred action and employment authorization and a U.S. arrival date advanced to Jan. 1, 2010, are set to begin on February 18.  DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents) is slated to begin in May.  Contact us for today assistance and advice.

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