Trump’s Immigration Ban Takes Partial Effect

The U.S. Supreme Court recently came to a unanimous decision to let parts of President Donald Trump’s travel ban take effect until the court can decide on the rest of the measure’s legality. In October, the Supreme Court will hear arguments regarding the order and make a final decision. Until then, part of the executive order will effectively stop immigrants from six different Muslim-majority countries from entering the United States. Here’s what you need to know about the current ban.

Facts About the Ban

The President’s order in its entirety aims to ban travel and immigration into the U.S. from six “terror-prone countries,” as the President phrases it. He stated that his “number one responsibility as Commander in Chief is to keep the American people safe.” He believes the ban will act as an “important tool for protecting our nation’s homeland.” As of June 29, 2017, the terms of the partial ban are as follows:

• People from Libya, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen may not travel into the U.S. for 90 days. The text of the order states that the conditions in these countries pose “heightened threats,” due to the states sponsoring terrorism or containing active conflict zones.
• Immigrants from these countries can only enter the U.S. if they have a “credible claim of bona fide relationship.” A relationship can include a spouse or close family member living in the U.S, a job, or as a student in school. Extended family members are not “close,” according to the order.
• Refugees from any country may not travel into the U.S. for 120 days. The ban affects visa applicants as well as any refugees awaiting approval to enter the U.S.
• Exemptions from the ban include U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, visa holders, visa applicants in the U.S. as of June 26, dual nationals, and anyone with asylum.
• Immigrants who currently hold visas will not face visa revocation or deportation. Previously scheduled appointments for visa applications will go on as planned.

There have already been challenges in court regarding what constitutes a “bone fide” relationship to someone in the U.S. This is the second time the executive order came under deliberation by the administration. Two appellate courts blocked the order almost in its entirety before the Supreme Court made this most recent decision. The Court will consider the terms of the ban more completely at a gathering this fall.

Reactions to the Ban

Political reactions to the passing of the partial ban have been varied. Those in the White House remark that the Supreme Court’s decision is a “great victory” and will help improve the safety of U.S. citizens during a volatile time. Those against the executive order assert that it is an “insult to Muslims in this country and around the world” and is “prohibited by our Constitution.” The president of the American Constitution Society says that some justices believe President Trump has gone too far with the new immigration policy. Until the Supreme Court makes a final vote on the order in its entirety, immigrants from the six Muslim-majority countries listed above cannot legally enter the country unless they can prove an accepted relationship.