Right now in the USA it is Monday around lunchtime. The travel ban was announced on Friday afternoon, so really not very much time has elapsed since the ban was announced. The Department of Homeland Security had not been pre-warned by the Trump administration (which in itself shows how clueless the administration are), but they have struggled to react to the travel ban being torn between the orders from the president on one side and the law and common sense on the other. So – things are rapidly changing.
- First, people in the air travelling to the USA found they were banned. A judge stepped in and gave those people some relief.
- Then, people who already have their Green Cards were affected by the ban and by Sunday the Whitehouse conceded that point and said the ban does not affect existing Green Card holders.
- Then KCC and a number of embassies announced that interviews were being cancelled for people from the effected countries.
- Now the London US embassy has announced that dual nationals holding UK passports and one of the 7 affected countries could continue being issued visas and could travel to the USA. This was as a result of negotiations with the UK government. However, in practice, that relief might be hard to “enjoy”. KCC should in theory re-instate any interviews for DV cases of UK dual nationals. I would not be surprised to see there being difficulties in that. But still it shows there are cracks appearing in the executive order as more sensible people get involved.
- Australian government has negotiated the same “exemption” as the UK, but for affected people holding Australian passports.
***UPDATE***
The acting Attorney General has instructed the Justice Department to stop defending the ban in courts. She has done that because she is not convinced the ban is legal. This is a big blo against Trump, and while Trump will move quickly to silence the acting A.G. it certainly shows the level of legal opinion that Trump has failed to understand.
***Update 2*** Sure enough Trump silenced the acting AG by firing her. When a government has no option but to fire people that have given their honest legal opinion (after 30 years experience in the DoJ), it shows the level of desperation the administration has sunk to.
I will continue to post significant information as I get it, but please people need to use some common sense of their own and realize that I cannot predict what will happen in this fast moving scenario.
January 30, 2017 at 19:40
Brit
Still good news thank you very much.
January 30, 2017 at 20:00
Hi Simon ,
I neawly arrived in usa ( POE on 20 dec ) dv 2016 , i didn’t receive the SSN or GC yet ( i paid the gc fee 9 months ago ) , is there any risk of delay in getting my ssn or GC ? Is there any news in homeland security about that ?
January 30, 2017 at 20:20
No there should be no delays. The SSN usually arrives in 2 to 3 weeks. The GC itself takes 3 to 4 months.
February 2, 2017 at 03:02
Some time they are delaying bcz of name problem.so better go to ssn office same happened to me
January 30, 2017 at 20:01
You are tha man
We appreciate your efforts and u are really kind of good people who is difficult to be found
Your familly daughter and wife should be proud of you
No matter if we be in US or not we are happy that we been in touch with someone like u god please u god please america and the real human and kind people over their.
Am sure one day i will do somthing special for u right now i dont know what is it but will do my best as of know we dont have more than words to say thank you britsimon
January 30, 2017 at 20:19
Thank you for the kind words.
January 30, 2017 at 20:49
I like grateful people like you and i d add a word may GOD bless him for what he is doing
January 30, 2017 at 20:20
Dear Brit
Our visas have been revoked. Does that mean it has been canceled and its no use to wait 90 days since DV visa is not ressued?
Thank you
January 30, 2017 at 20:36
Could you explain exactly what happened. I assume you contacted the embassy? What did they say exactly?
January 30, 2017 at 21:08
Dear britsimon
Same case… I’m Sudanese I received my visa 1/18 …contact the embassy after 1/27…here you can find their reply
Dear Sir/Madam,
President Trump signed an Executive Order on January 27, 2017 temporarily suspending entry into the United States of foreign nationals from seven countries under section 212(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The Executive Order imposes on nationals of certain designated countries a 90-day bar on entry into the United States. This bar also includes a 90-day prohibition on visa issuance. These countries, as designated by Congress or the Secretary of Homeland Security, are: Iraq, Syria, Sudan, Iran, Somalia, Libya, and Yemen.
Beginning January 27, 2017, travelers who have nationality or dual nationality of one of these countries will not be permitted for 90 days to enter the United States or be issued an immigrant (including diversity visas) or nonimmigrant visa. This executive order applies to all nationals of the above list regardless of the location of the interview or visa issuance. Those nationals or dual nationals holding valid immigrant or nonimmigrant visas will not be permitted to enter the United States during this period. If you are a national, or dual national, of one of these countries, please do not schedule a visa appointment or pay any visa fees at this time. If you already have an appointment scheduled, please DO NOT ATTEND your appointment as we will not be able to proceed with your visa interview. Immigrant or nonimmigrant visas will not be issued or printed for applicants who have previously interviewed. Additionally, as such travelers will not be admitted to the United States under the Executive Order, and at the request of the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of State is provisionally revoking valid visas previously issued to any affected nationals.
Lawful Permanent Residents (green card holder) who are nationals of or hold dual nationality with a specified country also prohibited from entering the United States during this period should take notice of the travel bar and refer to the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. government websites as additional guidance becomes available.
American citizen travel is not affected by this executive order.
Other changes affecting travelers to the United States will be announced as soon as that information is available. Please refer to the U.S. Embassy website and travel.state.gov for updated information.
January 30, 2017 at 21:11
you can read this
(, the Department of State is provisionally revoking valid visas previously issued to any affected nationals. )
In their message
January 31, 2017 at 01:23
So the real question becomes what wil happen once the ban is expired or lifted. Will the “provisionally revocation” be reversed. That, I don’t know. I suggest you ask the embassy.
January 31, 2017 at 08:44
Yes I contacted the Embassy and replied me this.
. If you already have a visa, please DO NOT attempt to travel, as your visa has been revoked and you will either be denied boarding by the airlines or denied entry to the United States at the U.S. port of entry.
January 31, 2017 at 14:36
OK – that is the standard answer. They describe this as a “provisional revocation”. What I don’t know is how they will handle things if and when the ban is lifted. You could ask the embassy, but until someone in your position does that (asks an embassy), we do not know what will happen.
January 30, 2017 at 20:55
Hi Britsimon,
I am a NZ Citizen. I am planning my trip to the US in March to activate my DV Visa before its expiry. I don’t believe I am affected by the travel ban.
1. To be certain, are their other resources online to verify that I will not be affected?
2. I have not paid my GC fee yet. Is it safe for me to do so?
3. Has US Immigration tightened up their checks at POE? Do I need to take anything in addition in support of my Visa.
4. Have any other people entered the US (who are not on the travel ban list) that have safely entered on their Diversity Visa?
Kind regards,
Anil
January 31, 2017 at 01:26
1. If you are not a national of one of the 7 countries you are not affected.
2. See 1.
3. No
4. Yes of course.
February 2, 2017 at 08:52
Hello! Thanks for your reply! Any news if Trump will add those 30 Countries you mentioned in one of the first post about the order execution??
February 2, 2017 at 17:47
No news about that.
January 30, 2017 at 21:23
Hi Simon,
What’s your view about those people are inside the US and follow their DV case through the USCIS. Do their processes suspend?
January 31, 2017 at 01:22
I don’t know.
January 30, 2017 at 21:32
Thanks Simon for keeping update … so I’m as Syrian passport holder with valid green card can i come back again to usa at this time?
January 31, 2017 at 01:22
Yes.
January 31, 2017 at 00:35
ban doesn’t effect green card holders means accept the 7 county or it doesn’t effect all green card holders out side the us
thanks for u help …… confusing …..i am one of those countries
January 31, 2017 at 01:20
Green Card holders are now not affected.
January 31, 2017 at 01:11
Dear Brit I really need to thank you for your great effort in helping us I hope I could return your favor back day in days, God bless you and your family.
Im still affected but I pray every day and night they cancel this order, I cant belive that im affected just because I was born in the one of the 7 countries ! Hope things will get better soon.
January 31, 2017 at 06:43
Wow man… this is freaking amazing 🙂 like am in real shock right now… hmm intresting am 22 yo and never seen a prisdent being bashed this hard… lol am used to them being tyrants and literally with Godpowers. now I understand what you meant the other day of underestimating law’s power.. well bless that power 🙂
what could I say Simon
thanks so much Sir you are a god send
like seriously we are all here so grateful for what you do say and advise
withou this blog trust me 99% of would have already been rejected and playing the blues 😀
May the lord bless you n’ your loved ones.
January 31, 2017 at 06:50
It isn’t over yet. But whilst Muslims all over the world can see the naked bigotry at work here, they can also see the spontaneous protests all over the country and the Western world. They can see the work of law organizations such as the ACLU that are fighting for what is right. They can see the action taken by the Attorney General to do what is right, even though it cost her a career with the Department of Justice (30 years of service). People here do not approve of Trump’s actions. And whilst we have to endure his stupidity for 4 years, people will fight him every step of the way.
January 31, 2017 at 06:48
Thank you Simon,
So, according to this, can I come back to USA as LPR using the I-551 stamp on my Syrian Travel Document?
Thanks
January 31, 2017 at 07:50
Dear Simon,
Please note that the plastic green cards are already issued for me but they still in USA in my address there.
January 31, 2017 at 14:37
Your stamped visa is still valid and you are a lawful permanent resident. That means the ban does not apply to you.
January 31, 2017 at 07:31
DV Selected
Hi MR. Simon
First of all thanks for your kind attention,
My question: my wife 2017 DV selected, from Sudan but place of birth Egypt, when she entered the lottery (in October 2015) write my name OSMAN and my son ALI OTHMAN, but in my PASSPORT and all documents it OTHMAN, even I am not list my son ALI OTHMAN when entered the lottery, so we fill DS-260 form with the right name OTHMAN, did this will effect to not get DV VISA? if yes, what we should do ?
As my wife is born in Egypt and it is not enclosed on Executive Order signed on January 27, 2017, even me from Sudan, did you think our VISA process will continue normally.
Many Thanks,
OTHMAN
January 31, 2017 at 07:41
The name is corrected in the DS260, so that should be OK.
Your wife can currently be interviewed, and as a derivative you will be interviewed too. However, due to the restriction on Sudan, your case will be placed on hold, even if your wife is approved. So – you must decide what you will do when that happens.
January 31, 2017 at 11:09
Thanks a lot, but what did you mean by must decide what you will do when that happens????
what should I do in that time?
January 31, 2017 at 14:31
YOU must decide if you want to have her visas issued while yours cannot be issued. It’s up to you to think that through so you can respond in the interview when that happens.
January 31, 2017 at 11:57
***UPDATE***
The acting Attorney General has instructed the Justice Department to stop defending the ban in courts. She has done that because she is not convinced the ban is legal. This is a big blo against Trump, and while Trump will move quickly to silence the acting A.G. it certainly shows the level of legal opinion that Trump has failed to understand.
***UPDATE 2.0***
In true Trump style, the acting Attorney General dared to stand up to Trump and was promptly fired… America is very quickly losing its appeal…
January 31, 2017 at 14:30
The firing was predictable. The point is, law is powerful here.
January 31, 2017 at 19:33
Thank you Mr Simon
for your great deeds
KCC email :
The KCC has identified your Diversity Visa case as subject to the Executive Order.
Please visit https://travel.stat
-interview was set for March
God bless you
January 31, 2017 at 22:21
Hi brit
can we say that kcc can proccess ds260 of an applicant with high case number who have submit his form on May or june??
THANK YOU
January 31, 2017 at 22:22
for exeple;2017AF42XXX and submit his form on 15 Mai..
January 31, 2017 at 23:07
So – that case number is not current. The DS260 will be processed and the case will only be scheduled when the case number is current.
January 31, 2017 at 23:06
KCC starts processing the DS260’s in the order received, regardless of case number.
January 31, 2017 at 23:55
HI great Simon
Firstly I am proud of your support of law against travel Ban,
I am on of selected people from Sudan for dv 2017.
I mentioned this reply to inform you about the status on us embassy on Khartoum regarding people already appear on interview and get approved before executive order 27 Jan 2017 and visa are ready. And get email for receive the passport.
1- all dv selecte are come to embassy on Sunday they receive the passport as well as other dv documents with valid us visa for six month and latter of ban traveling for 90
2- all dv selecte are come to embassy yesterday (Tuesday) they receive the passport with canceled visa and mention (CANCELED WITHOUT PREJUDICE).
I am confused right now if the Embassy can issue the visa again if travel Ban is cancelled or not renew after 90 days.
Or that means GAME OVER and we should forget all something regarding lottery on the country of SUDAN
February 1, 2017 at 00:08
Yes, I understand they have revoked issued visas (where the person has not already activated. However, I do not know what they will do if and when the ban is lifted. It would be extremely unfair to not re-issue the visas, but I would like to see the plan, and at the moment, there does not appear to be a plan.
February 1, 2017 at 02:11
Similiar to the UK, the Australian PM has announced that dual nationals holding Aus passports and one of the 7 affected countries won’t be affected by the executive order.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-01-31/turnbull-says-dual-nationals-will-not-be-affected-by-trump-ban/8225596
February 1, 2017 at 02:34
Thanks.
February 1, 2017 at 06:31
Simon,
I indirectly received a detailed update from an immigration services provider on this matter. So far, all of us know that this is affecting people from 7 countries for sure. But, what is not yet clear is the status of green card holders (GCH) from other countries. The executive order gives US Sec. of Homeland Security to refuse admission of any GCH if/when need be.
So, I will copy and paste the part of the update that concerns people from the rest of the world (apart from 7 banned countries).
“In addition to the seven listed banned countries, the Executive Order also permits the U.S. to refuse admission to persons from “any other country that is designated, at the time the alien applies for admission, by the Secretary of Homeland Security […] whether the country or area is a safe haven for terrorists.” As a result, the list of banned countries could expand. Currently, the State Department lists the following additional areas as terrorist safe havens, so some of these could potentially be added to the travel ban:
Egypt, Lebanon, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Colombia, Venezuela, Southern Philippines, Trans-Sahara (Mali), The Sulu/Sulawesi Seas Littoral.”
Link to the update: http://www.emigra.com/news/united-states-update-on-travel-ban-on-citizens-of-seven-nations/
February 1, 2017 at 08:29
The U.S always had the right to refuse the entry of green card holder from any country if necessary
February 1, 2017 at 19:25
Any entry can be refused (apart from a citizen) and any country could be added to the list of 7. The EO has not changed that.
February 1, 2017 at 09:15
***RAMBLING NOTHING VALUABLE***
Thanks for the update Simon 🙂 cannot appreciate your efforts enough.
and kaan homeland security always stressed the fact that they can deny entry of anyone. This just does not hold any value anyone can right something like this.
anyways but it’s really ironic how I and many like me are considered a threat and potentially terrorits while nationals from Egypt Afghanistan Pakistan are allowed in we the people who are the ones actually resisting terrorisim and muslim extremists. i never left my country nor wanted to be come a refugee even thou i lost my house car many family members and to top it all am making 8% of what i used to not just that nah.. but the money i had saved up now it is worth 9or8% of it’s value… man this is honestly horrendous awful and sad
We are banned even thou our prime minister spends most of his time showing proving and stressing how are we fighting these scumbags and what are accomplishing… what do we get in return ? a ban..
this is far beyond.. ah idk just idk for the love of christ.
and you know what really slay my soul ?
the fact that am not asking for help nah
am asking to become a lawful tax payer
am not asking for wellfair nah i got my sponsers and i got me
am not asking for anything but a chance to enter lol and guess what am paying for everything.. ah this is just a straight punch in the face. but as i said before in a few month am sure ill get my visa to collect my green card grab a beer with Simon 😀 and let him tell me how much of a nagger I’am.
as always sir feel to delete what you wish i understand that this isn’t a dairy.. but i swear ah there ain’t no one i can talk to 🙁
February 1, 2017 at 13:10
Hi Brit,
Is there any possibility of adding other countries to the list before the 3 months?
Thank’s
February 1, 2017 at 18:55
That is possible, of course.
February 1, 2017 at 17:40
Hi Brit,
They say they will add these countries to the list of 7 countries. is it true ?
link: https://twitter.com/JackSmithIV/status/826624634770558976
Thank’s
February 1, 2017 at 18:40
No. If you read the link you provided, it says nothing of the sort.
February 1, 2017 at 20:12
dear mr brit
I havent understand something about president trump’s executive ordeer On the 7 countries dose it affect DV interview process of the remaining participant countries like Ethiopia?
thanksgiving a good responce
February 1, 2017 at 20:13
There is no impact for selectees of other countries.
February 2, 2017 at 03:05
Dear Brit.
I would like to thank you for your support through the dv process.I came to NY 3month back and bow working as accountant in ny city.
Thanks a lot for your great support
February 2, 2017 at 04:14
Nice!
February 2, 2017 at 05:56
Hi Dvsl
I am very glad to read your comment.
Can you explain me how you managed to get such a job so rapidely? I’m planning to move to NY city next month.
People are now telling me that my degrees won’t be considered there.
I would be very grateful if you could give me some tips.
February 2, 2017 at 07:06
Hi Simon, Am a citizen of effected countries but luckily i had my interview in January but my case is under AP since i didnt finish chest xray since am pregnant .. the point is everything is on hold with the embassy and i was planning to do xray on Feb when i finish the first trimester ..do i have to do it now or to wait 2 months before the expiry of the medical .. i dont want to risk my baby if it is not necessary to do it now.. I had the medical 25 of Dec 2016…waiting your valuable reply ..
February 2, 2017 at 17:49
You case will not continue until you complete the medical. However, during the 90 day ban, your case will remain on hold anyway, even if you complete the medical. For that reason you can delay your medical completion for now , as processing won’t resume until the ban is lifted.
February 2, 2017 at 14:02
Dear Simon
Any News about the ban for Ethiopia?
February 2, 2017 at 17:42
There is no ban for Ethiopia.
February 2, 2017 at 16:52
Brit, what have you heard on this?
http://www.icontact-archive.com/XWhzD1MzXjck4ZhvIu5IAkMTwGRAoVGH?w=3
February 2, 2017 at 17:38
At the moment, this is nothing more than rumor, with little evidence to support the rumor.
February 2, 2017 at 20:47
Can Trump sign an EO and just like that cancel DV2017? I thought I had read here that this would not be possible given the involvement of Congress, but with what’s happened over the last few days, I gotta ask…
February 3, 2017 at 03:34
No.
February 2, 2017 at 22:07
Good day Simon,
Had our interview Jan 05 Montreal Embassy we are Canadian Citizen/Iranian. We are on AP(Due to mandatory Military service of my husband) so my question is all the AP are on hold as well till further notice?
February 3, 2017 at 03:32
I don’t know whether AP checks are continuing. I hope so.
February 3, 2017 at 13:23
Brit When you are a green card holder? after the interview or when you enter the usa
February 3, 2017 at 14:05
Venezuela Libre, I’m Venezuelan too. Did you have the interview already?
February 3, 2017 at 14:26
After entry to the USA.
February 3, 2017 at 14:36
Thanks
February 3, 2017 at 14:39
no en abril o mayo y tu? estoy muy preocupada
February 3, 2017 at 14:53
I’ll keep it in English for everyone’s reference here. I’ll interview in March, outside of Venezuela though, let’s see how it goes. I honestly doubt they’ll do anything to Venezuela, but that’s what I thought of every country ahead of the travel ban on the 7 countries.
February 3, 2017 at 14:57
well good luck!!! please write here after the interview
March 14, 2017 at 07:28
Dear Brit,
Will an applicant that comes from the banned countries (2017 immigration ban) be affected is selected in DV-Lottery?
also, How soon/late can I move to the US after the green card is issued?
Do I need to know where exactly I’ll be moving to?
Thanks and regards.
March 14, 2017 at 14:55
The ban causes a delay for applicant from those countries. We do not know how long that delay could last.
Once issued the visa is valid for 6 months, so the applicant must enter before it expires.
Not exactly. You need to give an address for the GC to be sent to.
May 9, 2017 at 19:41
ARE THE SIX COUNTRIES STIKL BANNED TO THUS MOMENT DV2018
May 9, 2017 at 20:13
No
June 5, 2017 at 20:09
Any update? Trump seems to be insistent to apply travel ban. if he wins the case what will happen for DV-2018 selectees from these six countries? and how long the ban will last?
June 5, 2017 at 20:13
The travel ban isn’t active at the moment. Courts so far have sided against the travel ban. Trump has weakened his own position by his inability to control himself from tweeting.
As for what will happen in the future – I don’t know.
August 21, 2017 at 01:30
Dear Brit,
I was born on one of this banned countries but I never had the nationality from it I hold the U.K passport. My spouse was selected on the DV lottery In Europe, we have a good case number, what will happened now after the banned do you think it is a problem for us and they will not consider our case because where I was born ? Or that shouldn’t effect our case because my spouse the selectee from Europe.
August 21, 2017 at 01:56
Your UK passport will exempt you from the ban.