The U.S. Supreme Court last month left in place a ruling by a federal district judge in Hawaii that exempts grandparents, grandchildren, and other relatives from President Trump’s travel ban, which remains in effect through Sept. 24.
In June, the Supreme Court exempted from the travel ban individuals holding passports from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen “who have a credible claim of a bona fide relationship” with close family or an entity in the U.S.
The Department of Homeland Security interpreted “close family” as a parent, parent-in-law, spouse, fiance, child, adult daughter or son, daughter- or son-in-law and whole, half or step-sibling. Homeland Security excluded grandparents, grandchildren, brothers- and sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins from the list of family members. These relatives are now also exempt from the travel ban.
Waivers
Individuals from a banned country who do not have a relationship with close family or an entity in the U.S. may also seek a waiver. Each waiver will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. A previous blog on the March 6 version of the travel ban describes situations that may qualify for a waiver.
The travel ban currently remains in effect until Sept. 27. The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear oral arguments on the ban on Oct. 10.
Refugees Still Limited
The federal district judge in Hawaii also exempted a group of refugees from Trump’s travel ban. As part of its latest ruling, the Supreme Court granted the Trump administration’s request to put that matter on hold while it petitions the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals for a review.
Need Help?
If you or a loved one need help with a waiver to the travel ban or finding an immigration solution, contact the Alcorn Immigration Law team. We can help immigrants anywhere inside or outside the U.S.
