Immigration Update: March 2017
May 25, 2017Carry-on Restrictions for Nationals of Certain Countries
In immigration news this month, travelers on direct flights from certain Middle Eastern and North African countries including Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey are prohibited from carrying laptops, tablets and other devices in the passenger cabin. Restricted devices may be packed in checked baggage if otherwise permitted. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not given a firm rationale for the ban.
Trump Administration Executive Order
Additionally, a federal district judge in Hawaii has issued a nationwide temporary restraining order to prohibit enforcement of President Trump’s latest effort to suspend the entry of nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, as well as refugees from all countries, to the United States. A federal judge in Maryland has since issued a similar order prohibiting the U.S. government from implementing the executive order. Implementation of the executive order remains on hold as the Trump Administration vows to appeal the rulings.
Immigrant Visa Availability for China and India Advance
Immigrant visa availability dates for final action will advance by one month for EB-2 China and by three weeks for EB-2 India, according to the State Department’s April Visa Bulletin.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact Perl Law at +1 (646) 470-0452.