President Donald Trump recently issued a proclamation on June 4, imposing a full suspension on new visas for foreign nationals from twelve countries seeking entry into the United States. Additionally, there will be a partial suspension on nationals from seven other countries. This decision is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on June 9.
The countries facing a full suspension include Afghanistan, Burma, Chad, the Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. On the other hand, nationals from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela will face a partial suspension.
The rationale behind this executive action is that the entry of individuals from these countries would be detrimental to the interests of the United States. The decision was made after a report was filed by the Secretary of State and assistant to the president on Homeland Security, identifying countries with inadequate vetting and screening information that warranted a suspension of entry for their nationals.
President Trump consulted with various key officials before making this decision, considering factors ranging from foreign policy to counterterrorism. The restrictions imposed are deemed necessary to prevent the entry of foreign nationals about whom the United States lacks sufficient information to assess the risks they pose.
The White House released a fact sheet outlining the justification for each country subjected to the suspension, citing reasons such as a lack of competent central authority for issuing passports, association with terrorism, and high overstay rates for U.S. visas. Despite the suspension, previously issued visas will not be revoked, and certain individuals, such as permanent residents and those granted asylum or refugee status, are exempt from the restrictions.
Furthermore, the proclamation ensures that individuals can still seek asylum, refugee status, withholding of removal, or protection under the Convention Against Torture. Exceptions will also be made for individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests.
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