On Jan. 29, 2017, the Department of Homeland Security issued a statement responding to recent litigation. According to the press release, the DHS “will continue to enforce all of President Trump’s Executive Orders in a manner that ensures the safety and security of the American people.”
The press release said President Trump’s Executive Orders will remain in effect and “prohibited travel” will not change, it will still be prohibited. Going further, the U.S. government will maintain the right to revoke people’s visas at any time if deemed necessary to protect the public or national security.
The press release stated that President Trump’s Executive Order does not affect very many international travelers; it only affects a small percentage of them. This Executive Order is seen as the nation’s first step in reestablishing national security and control over our borders.
Experts believe these changes are only the beginning. As immigration attorneys who are watching President Trump’s actions closely, we expect more changes to come in the upcoming months.
How Many People Will Be Affected?
According to the DHS, roughly 80 million foreign nationals enter the United States each year. On Jan. 28, of the 325,000 international air travelers that entered the U.S., less than one percent were inconvenienced by the extra security measures utilized, said the DHS.
In the press release, the DHS expressed that foreign nationals without ties to the United States do not have the right to demand entry into the U.S., nor do they have the right to demand immigration benefits from our nation.
The DHS says that it will execute the nation’s immigration laws; however, they will treat foreign nationals “humanely and with professionalism.” Essentially, the DHS’s goal is to implement President Trump’s Executive Orders to ensure international travelers entering the U.S. do not threaten national security.
If you need legal assistance with an immigration issue in Plano or Dallas, contact our firm to schedule an initial consultation.