Executive Order 13769 Bans Travel to the U.S. for Citizens of Certain Countries

in Executive Order, Travel Advisory
January 29th, 2017

Within his first week in office, President Trump signed several Executive Orders that will have implications for international students and scholars in the U.S.

On January 27, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled Protecting the Nation from Terrorist Entry into the United States by Foreign Nationals.

In summary, this order includes the following key provisions:

  • Suspends entry into the United States of both nonimmigrants and immigrants from 7 countries (Iran, Iraq. Libya, Somalia,  Sudan, Syria and Yemen) for 90 days, except for those traveling on diplomatic, NATO, C-2, G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas.
  • Suspends the issuance of visas and “other immigration benefits” for citizens of the listed countries.
  • Establishes protocol for removing or adding countries to the list, depending on cooperation from foreign government agencies.
  • Suspends the waiver of an in-person interview for visa applications for citizens of all countries.
  • Suspends the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for 120 days.
  • Suspends U.S. admission for Syrian refugees indefinitely.
  • Calls for review of reciprocity agreements between the U.S. and foreign countries
  • Mandates “expedited completion” of a Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System for all travelers to the U.S.

As of Sunday, January 29, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) in NY had secured a temporary stay of this order and separately two federal judges in Boston granted a 7-day temporary restraining order to the order prohibiting Department of Homeland Security from denying entry to the U.S. for individuals with a valid nonimmigrant, immigrant or refugee visa.

There continues to be confusion as to the implementation of the Executive Order. We will continue to seek clarification from various government agencies and will update the BU community as more information becomes available.

If you are a student or scholar from one of the above countries and currently in the United States in any nonimmigrant status, (e.g., B, F, J, H, O, TN, etc.) the ISSO would advise against travel outside the United States, as you may not be permitted return in accordance with this ban. If you are affected by this Executive Order, please contact the ISSO immediately so that we can update you on the current state of this order.