On January 31, 2020, President Trump issued a Proclamation extending the existing “travel ban” to six (6) additional countries. This new travel ban prevents citizens of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar (Burma) and Nigeria, from pursuing immigrant visas, with some exceptions. Note that non-immigrant or temporary travel from the newly added countries is specifically excluded by this Proclamation. Also included in the “travel ban” is a restriction on citizens of Sudan and Tanzania pursuing the Diversity Visa (“DV Lottery”) immigrant visa.
Travel Ban Exemptions:
Discretionary waivers of the travel ban are available in the immigrant visa context to those who can demonstrate (1) undue hardship if entry is denied; (2) entry would not post a threat to national security and (3) entry is in the national interest.
The new travel ban will take effect on February 21, 2020.