The Present of United States of America Mr. Donald Trump signed an executive order to temporarily block entry to the United States for citizens of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, and Syria.This had led to international travel and global diplomatic relationships into instant chaos
The order, issued without warning to America’s allies created scenes of mayhem at airports in major cities around the United States and left Canadian politicians scrambling for answers. Canadian immigration lawyers were also caught off guard.
In order to provide clarity for clients who may be affected, here is an overview of the impacts of Trump’s executive order. Much of this information comes courtesy of an excellent summary from the Globe and Mail:
- Citizens of the nations referenced above are barred from entering the United States until April 27, a period of 90 days from the signing of the executive order.
- Syrian citizens are indefinitely unable to attain US visas.
- All refugee admissions to the United States have been suspended until May 27, a period of 120 days from the signing of the executive order.
- The number of refugees which the US plans to admit this budget year has been cut from 100,000 to 50,000.
- Green card holders, while initially detained by customs officials, may now re-enter the country, though they may be subjected to additional screening and questioning.
In the aftermath of the order’s issuance, confusion reigned over the status of many Canadians who hold dual citizenship with one of the affected nations. While initial reports suggested that the ban would apply to these Canadians – as well as to dual citizens of countries like Australia, France and Great Britain – US National Security Adviser Michael Flynn eventually confirmed that Canadian citizens would be allowed entry.
If you have further questions about the specifics of the United States’ broad travel ban, don’t hesitate to contact the Canadian immigration lawyers at Nanda & Associate today.
Members of the public and Canadian politicians reacted with shock to Trump’s order and its clumsy execution.
“We believe that our government and all our politicians, all our MPs from different political parties, should be united on this matter, and should condemn this discriminatory policy that the Trump administration has signed and has implemented,” said Bijan Ahmadi, president of the Iranian Canadian Congress, to the Star.
“Our community is very devastated,” added Somali Canadian Association of Etobicoke director Osman Ali.
Canadian immigration lawyers also expressed their disbelief in the Star’s article:
“There has never been a measure like this before,” said Toronto’s Lorne Waldman. “One can only assume that they didn’t fully think through all of the consequences of what they were doing in terms of the havoc it’s going to cause.”
While the standing of Canadian citizens has been largely clarified in the wake of the order’s rushed issuance, the President’s action leaves thousands of would-be refugees and immigrants in limbo, and with no relief in sight.
If you have questions or concerns about the United States’ temporary travel ban, contact the Canadian immigration lawyers at Nanda & Associate today.
