Sept 24, 2017 - Proclamation: Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats

Please note: The information provided in this post was accurate and up-to-date at the time of posting. Due to the dynamic nature of immigration policy, it is possible that the information or links provided may have changed over time. Users are advised to verify the accuracy and relevance of the content.

September 26, 2017

On September 24, 2017, President Trump issued a Presidential Proclamation entitled Enhancing Vetting Capabilities and Processes for Detecting Attempted Entry Into the United States by Terrorists or Other Public-Safety Threats (click here for BIO's detailed summary) . This Proclamation partially or fully restricts entry into the United States for nationals of Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Syria, Venezuela, Yemen and Somalia. The proclamation contains specific provisions for each impacted country, as summarized below. The new restrictions established by the proclamation take effect October 18, 2017.

Who is directly impacted?

The Proclamation cites country-specific entry restrictions for nationals of the subject countries. Individuals from all impacted countries should expect increased scrutiny and screening of visa applications in all non-immigrant categories.

  • North Korea, Syria and Somalia- Entry is indefinitely suspended for all non-immigrants and immigrant visas
  • Chad, Libya and Yemen- Entry in B-1, B-2 and B-1/B-2 visas and immigrant visas is suspended.
  • Iran- Entry in all non-immigrant categories is suspended– except F,M, and J exchange visitor visas. F, M and J exchange visitors will be subject to enhanced screening and vetting requirements. Entry for immigrant visas is also suspended.
  • Venezuela- All Venezuelan nationals who are visa holders may face increased screening and scrutiny. Entry is specifically suspended only for B-1, B-2 or B-1/B-2 visas for officials of the following government agencies Ministry of Interior, Justice, and Peace; the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration, and Immigration; the Corps of Scientific Investigations, Judicial and Criminal; the Bolivarian Intelligence Service; and the People’s Power Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and their immediate family members.

Are there impacts for individuals from all countries?

For the near future, Berkeley International Office recommends minimizing international travel due to the changing nature of the new administration’s policies on visas and U.S. entry.

  • Increased Screenings, Possible Travel Delays- The Proclamation specifically indicates increased scrutiny for Iraqi citizens or nationals. Due to the P.P’s call for increased scrutiny at the Port of Entry and at consulates and embassies abroad, immigrant and non-immigrant travelers should expect increased travel delays when applying for a new U.S. visa or when entering the U.S.
  • Future Changes in Visa Issuance for additional countries- Provisions of the Proclamation order call for ongoing review of U.S. visa issuance procedures for all countries. These continuing revisions and reviews may result in countries being continued on, added to or removed from the visa/entry suspension list, changes in fees, or visa lengths.

Berkeley International Office is monitoring continuing issues impacting our international student, scholar and employee populations. 

See the Dept of State Travel Alert DHS Fact Sheet and White House FAQ  as well as NAFSA: Association of International Educators detailed resources.

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