As of today, Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, there is in place a nationwide temporary restraining order (TRO) suspending enforcement of the Jan. 27, 2017 Executive Order: Protecting the Nation from Foreign Terrorist Entry into the United States (EO). The Federal Government has moved to stay the TRO, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit is expected to rule on the motion to stay within the next few days.

As initially enforced, the EO temporarily banned entry into the United States of foreign nationals from Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Somalia, Syria, Libya, and Yemen, including those with valid visas or lawful permanent residents (green cards holders).   

On Feb. 1, the White House issued guidance clarifying that the ban did not apply to lawful permanent residents (green card holders).

On Feb. 3, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued the nationwide TRO.

On Feb. 4, the U.S. State Department issued a statement that it had reversed the provisional revocation of visas under the EO, and that “individuals with visas that were not physically cancelled may now travel if the visa is otherwise valid.” On the same date, the DHS stated that it had “suspended any and all actions implementing” the EO, and that it would “resume inspection of travelers in accordance with standard policy and procedure” existing before the Jan. 27 order. 

This is a very fluid situation, subject to change on an almost daily basis. As previously advised, students and faculty who are citizens of the countries affected by the EO or dual citizens of one of the countries affected by the EO and a country not on the list should seek legal advice before making a decision about traveling outside the United States. 

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