The Trump Travel Ban Is Going Ahead: Here’s What You Need to Know

The Trump travel ban is finally going ahead and will come into force this Thursday, affecting millions of people globally. Citizens from Libya, Syria, Iran, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen will all be subject to the new criteria.

Trump Travel Ban New Criteria

The White House has outlaid the new criteria for people applying for a U.S. visa from the six mainly Muslim countries mentioned above. To legally enter the United States, people from these areas must have a “close” family relation, or demonstrate business ties to the U.S.

The proposed Trump travel ban was previously blocked by U.S. courts. However, it is finally going ahead after the Supreme Court stepped in and partially restored it.

Among the new rules, those people who are not able to display a close relationship, such as a parent, child, or spouse, will be denied entry to the U.S. It should be noted that the definition of “close” does not include grandparents, uncles and aunts, or extended family members.

Those who can demonstrate close business ties, or have studied in educational institutes in the U.S. may be exempt from the ban.

Citizens of these countries already holding valid U.S. visas will not affected by the Trump travel ban, and dual nationals traveling on a passport from an unaffected country will still be allowed entry.

What Happens Next?

The Trump travel ban is still not a permanent fixture. The Supreme Court has yet to issue its final ruling on the controversial act. Attorneys both in favor and against the ban warn that these new restrictions could cause significant legal challenges and repercussions.

The new stipulations will be in place until October at the earliest, when the case will be re-reviewed by the Supreme Court. A 120-day ban on refugees without close ties to the United States was also approved and enforced from Thursday. There is also a new cap on refugees, set at 50,000, and expected to be reached within the next two weeks.

The Supreme Court Has Spoken

Speaking out on their decision this Monday, the Supreme Court said the executive order “may not be enforced against foreign nationals who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.” However, “all other foreign nationals are subject to the provisions.”

Many groups have been trying to fight against the Trump travel ban since it was first announced some five months ago. However, the president maintains that the ban is essential in order to prevent terrorists entering the United States.

President Trump is calling the Supreme Court Ruling a “victory for our national security.”