The main points of President Trump’s Executive Order 13769 are as follows:
Purpose
The visa issuance program plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties. Since the September 11, 2001 attack, improvements in vetting visa applicants have resulted in numerous foreign-born individuals being convicted of terrorist-related crimes. Deteriorating conditions in the world make it more likely that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must make sure it does not admit anyone who bears a hostile attitude toward it.
Policy
To protect the citizens of the United States.
Suspend Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits of Nationals From Countries of Particular Concern
The State Department, in conjunction with the Department of Homeland Security and National Intelligence will conduct a review to determine what information is needed from any country to adjudicate a visa for their nationals.
To reduce the investigative burden on these agencies, the President suspended all immigrant and non-immigrant visas from Iraq or Syria or other country designated as an area of concern for 90 days.
Following the review, the Secretary of State is to follow up and request the information needed for proper vetting of visa applicants from each country. If the information is not provided, nationals from that country will not be permitted entry.
Implementing Uniform Screening Standards
The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security, along with the Directors of National Intelligence and the FBI will implement a program for providing immigration benefits that identifies individuals who seek to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis, or seek to do harm, or who are at risk of causing harm, after they have been admitted. This program will include uniform screening standards, such as in person interviews and a database of identity documents.
Realign US Refugee Admission Program
The Refugee Admissions Program will be suspended for 120 days so that it can be reviewed in order to determine that it does not pose a threat to national security. When the program resumes, refugees with claims of persecution based on being a minority religion in their country of origin will be given priority.
Admission of refugees from Syria are determined to be against the national interest. Additionally, entry of more than 50,000 refugees for 2017 is determined to be against the national interest. Notwithstanding these suspensions, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may continue making determinations of admission on a case by case basis.
Visa Waiver Program
The program is immediately suspended. All visa applicants must go through an interview process.
