New Presidential Proclamations Expected
This Proclamation rescinds several executive orders and proclamations from the past four years that, together, constituted what was commonly referred to as the "Muslim ban." The travel ban was country-specific, but generally it prevented entry into the United States by individuals of certain nations without a bona fide relationship with the US (such as entering as an F-1 student or J-1 scholar), and in some cases it banned all citizens of specific countries regardless of intent. This sadly did not prevent individuals from these countries with valid visas from being subject to increased scrutiny at ports of entry. Many of these countries are Muslim-majority or African nations.
How does this affect the UM community?
Citizens from those previously-banned countries will now be able to apply for visas to enter the US beyond only as students or scholars. For example, our international students and scholars from the countries previously subject to the travel ban will now be able to invite their families to share in their achievements and joyous events in the United States, such as commencement. Another example includes speakers from those countries who can now apply for and enter on a tourist visa to speak on campus.