United States: Supreme Court allows travel ban December 5 /update 5

Event

On Monday, December 4, the Supreme Court lifted two injunctions imposed by lower courts that had partially blocked travel bans decreed by the administration of President Donald Trump affecting citizens of Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, and Chad. As such, citizens of the aforementioned countries without a "bona fide" relationship to the United States - e.g. close family in the country, a job at an American company, enrollment at an American university, etc. - will henceforth be denied visas to travel to the country. According to previous rulings, "close family" includes immediate family (parents, children, siblings) as well as grandparents, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Furthermore, a blanket ban on citizens from North Korea and a ban on certain Venezuelan government officials and their families remain in effect.

Context

According to President Trump, the travel ban was instated to protect the United States from terrorism. The ban has been previously challenged in lawsuits brought forth by the state of Hawaii and the American Civil Liberties Union who allege the ban discriminates against Muslims and is unconstitutional.

Advice

Potentially-affected travelers are advised to keep abreast of the situation and to contact their nearest US embassy or consulate for further details regarding visa and entry requirements.