US Immigration Reform

[Esper]

I've been impatiently waiting for ACLU to make good on their promises and actually get around to suing him (especially after the whole silencing dilemma), but so far they just keep posting on their Facebook page, and it's getting quite infuriating. I feel like no one in this country except some parts of the press are really holding him accountable for his actions, and they're getting shat on because the entire administration is literally attempting to re-write reality so that they can do no wrong.

They're doing it.
https://twitter.com/DavidColeACLU/status/825337803416416256
https://www.aclu.org/legal-document...int-declaratory-and-injunctive-reliefpetition

 

[Aeroblast]

whoa... didn't see the thread title change, I was wondering if my thread was gone lol.

anyways, since this is no longer just a thread for a singular event, I'll add more news pertaining to this issue, sort of like a mega thread if no-one here minds.

EDIT - added: Trump signs executive orders to build the wall in Mexico and defund sanctuary cities

 

[Mareep123]

i can't believe it's 2017 and we are still so divided. This immigration policy has just made things worst. I guarantee more anti western feeling now and homegrown attacks...it's a sad day for everyone!

 

[Mareep123]

Finally, a judge has stepped in to intervene regarding trumps deportation order on refugees....about time!

 

[Raffy98]

While you mention Western Europe, I'll add that Trump is not making the US "Great". He's making it feel like Italy under Mussolini or Spain under Franco. If the Republicans succeed at putting enough barriers to voters and effectively neutering elections (see: North Carolina), then it will be literally impossible to distinguish them.

I really wanted to tell you that the image you posted is fascinating and it should be an example to all of us, it's wonderful... I really mean it.
Also, cannot agree more with these words, in Italy we always let in people from everywhere (especially from Lampedusa).
There are a lot of things that are wrong here but I feel very proud of my country and Europe about this, helping these people in my opinion should be a no-brainer to everyone, but apparently it isn't.
Building barriers in front of these people just shows how ruthless the human race can be.
About the mention you did on Mussolini, the only thing I can say is that I'm not surprised that after he was laid down, Italy got a new constitution in 1948 to prevent what happened during his dictatorship, and it makes me mad that some people that don't know about this period of the History would go back, saying that Italy was better when Mussolini was in charge. -_-

They're doing it.

Finally, a judge has stepped in to intervene regarding trumps deportation order on refugees....about time!

Great! I'm glad someone is taking action on this.
If he has decided to run for president, than he should face the problems of the USA and not just walk by them and pass over or pretending that they don't exist (see Global warming).

 

[Hikamaru]

Hearing stories like this is so sad, because I feel people shouldn't be shunted out of a country solely because of where they came from. I have been anti-Trump ever since that election campaign and seeing him already show the bad things he promised has made me feel grim about America's future.

Trump is a xenophobe and a racist, and shall be frowned down for shunning out innocent people from these Muslim countries.

 

[Sektor]

It's not a Muslim ban *sigh*

 

[gimmepie]

It's not a Muslim ban *sigh*

Technically it isn't. It's just a law that exists specifically to target Islamic immigrants. That's really not much better.

 

[Arsenic]

Congratulations Trump administration. I am completely ashamed of being from this country now. I've even taken down my flag. Students, workers, dual-citizens kicked out of the country they inhabited because of some crazy old man who probably hasn't even read the Geneva convention (Something I believe everyone should read. I have) and is the figureboy of xenophobic, racist people in America and hatred in itself. And then the wall... dear god...

Attn people: Nationalism and Isolationism have never led to anything good. It deeply concerns me that so many countries are going back to this ideology. At least world war 3 should quickly put us out of our misery!

 

[Esper]

It's not a Muslim ban *sigh*

Rudy Giuliani: "I'll tell you the whole history of it. So when [Trump] first announced it, he said, 'Muslim ban.' He called me up. He said, 'Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.' "

Spoiler:

The intent was always to make a Muslim ban.

 

[Sektor]

Rudy Giuliani: "I'll tell you the whole history of it. So when [Trump] first announced it, he said, 'Muslim ban.' He called me up. He said, 'Put a commission together. Show me the right way to do it legally.' "

Spoiler:

The intent was always to make a Muslim ban.

Regardless of whether or not the intent, the execution and practice put in place equate less of a ban than when Obama had halted Iranians and Iraqis from entering the country sometime during 2011 for a longer period of time than this proposes. Now, I need not remind you that the globes countries with the greatest population of Muslims. Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria. All of which contain a greater number of Muslims than the countries proposed to block.

The ban targets countries that the Obama Administration has labeled as 'terrorist hotbeds'. Politifact does a nice job by cookie cutting the biggest issue people have with the temporary ban. This isn't something from the far left field that wasn't foreseeable. Obama has used this power multiple times to target the same exact countries and not a peep was to be heard when his ban extended from six months to a year.

Calling it a 'Muslim ban' is not correct. It does not ban all Muslims, and if that was the goal then the countries I mentioned would have been at the top of the list.

Technically it isn't. It's just a law that exists specifically to target Islamic immigrants. That's really not much better.

The writ also explains this very well. If you've read it, then you'll know perhaps why. It also doesn't target Pakistan, by the way, so claiming 'Islam ban' isn't true either. The order explains this well in detail regarding Islam. No honor killers, rapists, terrorists, wife beaters or general badguys. Still keeping in mind that the previous administration were the ones to label these countries.

I'm beginning to think that people are diving in without actually thinking at this point. "Trump says so? Better go the opposite way." seems to be the norm in several cases on an increasing frequency.

This is not an Islam ban and this is not a Muslim ban. It lasts for 90 days and until then it will be reviewed. This bans 50,000 refugees (all of which can fit well in the 300,000 air conditioned tents Saudi Arabia has up and running) from a country where we're experiencing the heaviest terrorist activity. Taking in 50,000 people has never been easy and in the past it has failed miserably resulting in a sky rocket of criminal activity and lack of resources. It explains that in order to properly screen these people, we need adequate resources to do so. Unless anyone here wants us to keep 50,000 people in a camp waiting for screening then I suggest waiting a few months and seeing where this goes. No good can come from letting in that many people at one time and claiming that there won't be active terrorists trying to sneak in with them is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot. ISIS has formally stated that they'll do just that.

TL;DR Not a Muslim ban, not an Islam ban because Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Has anyone here actually read it? It doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Spoiler:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The visa-issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa-issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States.

Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.

In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including "honor" killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security's determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.

(c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).

(d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification.

(e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a list of countries recommended for inclusion on a Presidential proclamation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas) from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs.

(f) At any point after submitting the list described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment.

(g) Notwithstanding a suspension pursuant to subsection (c) of this section or pursuant to a Presidential proclamation described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked.

(h) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall submit to the President a joint report on the progress in implementing this orderwithin 30 days of the date of this order, a second report within 60 daysof the date of this order, a third report within 90 days of the date of this order, and a fourth report within 120 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 4. Implementing Uniform Screening Standards for All Immigration Programs. (a) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall implement a program, as part of the adjudication process for immigration benefits, to identify individuals seeking to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis with the intent to cause harm, or who are at risk of causing harm subsequent to their admission. This program will include the development of a uniform screening standard and procedure, such as in-person interviews; a database of identity documents proffered by applicants to ensure that duplicate documents are not used by multiple applicants; amended application forms that include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent; a mechanism to ensure that the applicant is who the applicant claims to be; a process to evaluate the applicant's likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society and the applicant's ability to make contributions to the national interest; and a mechanism to assess whether or not the applicant has the intent to commit criminal or terrorist acts after entering the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of this directive within 60 days of the date of this order, a second report within 100 days of the date of this order, and a third report within 200 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 5. Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017. (a) The Secretary of State shall suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures. Refugee applicants who are already in the USRAP process may be admitted upon the initiation and completion of these revised procedures. Upon the date that is 120 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall resume USRAP admissions only for nationals of countries for which the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have jointly determined that such additional procedures are adequate to ensure the security and welfare of the United States.

(b) Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality. Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall recommend legislation to the President that would assist with such prioritization.

(c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.

(d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.

(e) Notwithstanding the temporary suspension imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest — including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship — and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States.

(f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order.

(g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement.

Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda.

Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational.

Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in-person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

(b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non-immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected.

Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable.

Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter:

(i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism-related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later;

(ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender-based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses.

(b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

 

[Mareep123]

Banning Trump from the UK

Do people think trump should be banned from entering the UK? I personally think, that we need to stand up for what is right and what trump has done with the ban on Muslim countries is simply not right. I'm proud that the UK stands for equality and inclusion and by not allowing trump to enter will show we still know our right from wrong!

 

[Nah]

Do people think trump should be banned from entering the UK? I personally think, that we need to stand up for what is right and what trump has done with the ban on Muslim countries is simply not right. I'm proud that the UK stands for equality and inclusion and by not allowing trump to enter will show we still know our right from wrong!

gonna move this into the Trump immigration thread, as this could fit in there

I'm not sure if it's really possible or even a good idea, diplomatically speaking, to bar a leader of a country from entering another country. One can still condemn the man's actions and words without not letting him the country anyway.

 

[Hermione Granger]

In my opinion this past election had 2 idiots, I didn't trust either candidate. Though I flat out am going to say I have not trusted the US government since high school, since I highly doubt they even care about it's citizens. Each and every year our government continues to cut our military. This continues my distrust of the government.

 

[gimmepie]

Regardless of whether or not the intent, the execution and practice put in place equate less of a ban than when Obama had halted Iranians and Iraqis from entering the country sometime during 2011 for a longer period of time than this proposes. Now, I need not remind you that the globes countries with the greatest population of Muslims. Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria. All of which contain a greater number of Muslims than the countries proposed to block.

The ban targets countries that the Obama Administration has labeled as 'terrorist hotbeds'. Politifact does a nice job by cookie cutting the biggest issue people have with the temporary ban. This isn't something from the far left field that wasn't foreseeable. Obama has used this power multiple times to target the same exact countries and not a peep was to be heard when his ban extended from six months to a year.

Calling it a 'Muslim ban' is not correct. It does not ban all Muslims, and if that was the goal then the countries I mentioned would have been at the top of the list.


The writ also explains this very well. If you've read it, then you'll know perhaps why. It also doesn't target Pakistan, by the way, so claiming 'Islam ban' isn't true either. The order explains this well in detail regarding Islam. No honor killers, rapists, terrorists, wife beaters or general badguys. Still keeping in mind that the previous administration were the ones to label these countries.

I'm beginning to think that people are diving in without actually thinking at this point. "Trump says so? Better go the opposite way." seems to be the norm in several cases on an increasing frequency.

This is not an Islam ban and this is not a Muslim ban. It lasts for 90 days and until then it will be reviewed. This bans 50,000 refugees (all of which can fit well in the 300,000 air conditioned tents Saudi Arabia has up and running) from a country where we're experiencing the heaviest terrorist activity. Taking in 50,000 people has never been easy and in the past it has failed miserably resulting in a sky rocket of criminal activity and lack of resources. It explains that in order to properly screen these people, we need adequate resources to do so. Unless anyone here wants us to keep 50,000 people in a camp waiting for screening then I suggest waiting a few months and seeing where this goes. No good can come from letting in that many people at one time and claiming that there won't be active terrorists trying to sneak in with them is a great way to shoot yourself in the foot. ISIS has formally stated that they'll do just that.

TL;DR Not a Muslim ban, not an Islam ban because Pakistan, Indonesia and Bangladesh.

Has anyone here actually read it? It doesn't sound too unreasonable.

Spoiler:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and laws of the United States of America, including the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq., and section 301 of title 3, United States Code, and to protect the American people from terrorist attacks by foreign nationals admitted to the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. The visa-issuance process plays a crucial role in detecting individuals with terrorist ties and stopping them from entering the United States. Perhaps in no instance was that more apparent than the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, when State Department policy prevented consular officers from properly scrutinizing the visa applications of several of the 19 foreign nationals who went on to murder nearly 3,000 Americans. And while the visa-issuance process was reviewed and amended after the September 11 attacks to better detect would-be terrorists from receiving visas, these measures did not stop attacks by foreign nationals who were admitted to the United States.

Numerous foreign-born individuals have been convicted or implicated in terrorism-related crimes since September 11, 2001, including foreign nationals who entered the United States after receiving visitor, student, or employment visas, or who entered through the United States refugee resettlement program. Deteriorating conditions in certain countries due to war, strife, disaster, and civil unrest increase the likelihood that terrorists will use any means possible to enter the United States. The United States must be vigilant during the visa-issuance process to ensure that those approved for admission do not intend to harm Americans and that they have no ties to terrorism.

In order to protect Americans, the United States must ensure that those admitted to this country do not bear hostile attitudes toward it and its founding principles. The United States cannot, and should not, admit those who do not support the Constitution, or those who would place violent ideologies over American law. In addition, the United States should not admit those who engage in acts of bigotry or hatred (including "honor" killings, other forms of violence against women, or the persecution of those who practice religions different from their own) or those who would oppress Americans of any race, gender, or sexual orientation.

Sec. 2. Policy. It is the policy of the United States to protect its citizens from foreign nationals who intend to commit terrorist attacks in the United States; and to prevent the admission of foreign nationals who intend to exploit United States immigration laws for malevolent purposes.

Sec. 3. Suspension of Issuance of Visas and Other Immigration Benefits to Nationals of Countries of Particular Concern. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall immediately conduct a review to determine the information needed from any country to adjudicate any visa, admission, or other benefit under the INA (adjudications) in order to determine that the individual seeking the benefit is who the individual claims to be and is not a security or public-safety threat.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence, shall submit to the President a report on the results of the review described in subsection (a) of this section, including the Secretary of Homeland Security's determination of the information needed for adjudications and a list of countries that do not provide adequate information, within 30 days of the date of this order. The Secretary of Homeland Security shall provide a copy of the report to the Secretary of State and the Director of National Intelligence.

(c) To temporarily reduce investigative burdens on relevant agencies during the review period described in subsection (a) of this section, to ensure the proper review and maximum utilization of available resources for the screening of foreign nationals, and to ensure that adequate standards are established to prevent infiltration by foreign terrorists or criminals, pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the immigrant and nonimmigrant entry into the United States of aliens from countries referred to in section 217(a)(12) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1187(a)(12), would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and I hereby suspend entry into the United States, as immigrants and nonimmigrants, of such persons for 90 days from the date of this order (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas).

(d) Immediately upon receipt of the report described in subsection (b) of this section regarding the information needed for adjudications, the Secretary of State shall request all foreign governments that do not supply such information to start providing such information regarding their nationals within 60 days of notification.

(e) After the 60-day period described in subsection (d) of this section expires, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, shall submit to the President a list of countries recommended for inclusion on a Presidential proclamation that would prohibit the entry of foreign nationals (excluding those foreign nationals traveling on diplomatic visas, North Atlantic Treaty Organization visas, C-2 visas for travel to the United Nations, and G-1, G-2, G-3, and G-4 visas) from countries that do not provide the information requested pursuant to subsection (d) of this section until compliance occurs.

(f) At any point after submitting the list described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretary of State or the Secretary of Homeland Security may submit to the President the names of any additional countries recommended for similar treatment.

(g) Notwithstanding a suspension pursuant to subsection (c) of this section or pursuant to a Presidential proclamation described in subsection (e) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may, on a case-by-case basis, and when in the national interest, issue visas or other immigration benefits to nationals of countries for which visas and benefits are otherwise blocked.

(h) The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall submit to the President a joint report on the progress in implementing this orderwithin 30 days of the date of this order, a second report within 60 daysof the date of this order, a third report within 90 days of the date of this order, and a fourth report within 120 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 4. Implementing Uniform Screening Standards for All Immigration Programs. (a) The Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation shall implement a program, as part of the adjudication process for immigration benefits, to identify individuals seeking to enter the United States on a fraudulent basis with the intent to cause harm, or who are at risk of causing harm subsequent to their admission. This program will include the development of a uniform screening standard and procedure, such as in-person interviews; a database of identity documents proffered by applicants to ensure that duplicate documents are not used by multiple applicants; amended application forms that include questions aimed at identifying fraudulent answers and malicious intent; a mechanism to ensure that the applicant is who the applicant claims to be; a process to evaluate the applicant's likelihood of becoming a positively contributing member of society and the applicant's ability to make contributions to the national interest; and a mechanism to assess whether or not the applicant has the intent to commit criminal or terrorist acts after entering the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security, in conjunction with the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, and the Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of this directive within 60 days of the date of this order, a second report within 100 days of the date of this order, and a third report within 200 days of the date of this order.

Sec. 5. Realignment of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program for Fiscal Year 2017. (a) The Secretary of State shall suspend the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program (USRAP) for 120 days. During the 120-day period, the Secretary of State, in conjunction with the Secretary of Homeland Security and in consultation with the Director of National Intelligence, shall review the USRAP application and adjudication process to determine what additional procedures should be taken to ensure that those approved for refugee admission do not pose a threat to the security and welfare of the United States, and shall implement such additional procedures. Refugee applicants who are already in the USRAP process may be admitted upon the initiation and completion of these revised procedures. Upon the date that is 120 days after the date of this order, the Secretary of State shall resume USRAP admissions only for nationals of countries for which the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Homeland Security, and the Director of National Intelligence have jointly determined that such additional procedures are adequate to ensure the security and welfare of the United States.

(b) Upon the resumption of USRAP admissions, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the Secretary of Homeland Security, is further directed to make changes, to the extent permitted by law, to prioritize refugee claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual's country of nationality. Where necessary and appropriate, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall recommend legislation to the President that would assist with such prioritization.

(c) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of nationals of Syria as refugees is detrimental to the interests of the United States and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I have determined that sufficient changes have been made to the USRAP to ensure that admission of Syrian refugees is consistent with the national interest.

(d) Pursuant to section 212(f) of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182(f), I hereby proclaim that the entry of more than 50,000 refugees in fiscal year 2017 would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, and thus suspend any such entry until such time as I determine that additional admissions would be in the national interest.

(e) Notwithstanding the temporary suspension imposed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section, the Secretaries of State and Homeland Security may jointly determine to admit individuals to the United States as refugees on a case-by-case basis, in their discretion, but only so long as they determine that the admission of such individuals as refugees is in the national interest — including when the person is a religious minority in his country of nationality facing religious persecution, when admitting the person would enable the United States to conform its conduct to a preexisting international agreement, or when the person is already in transit and denying admission would cause undue hardship — and it would not pose a risk to the security or welfare of the United States.

(f) The Secretary of State shall submit to the President an initial report on the progress of the directive in subsection (b) of this section regarding prioritization of claims made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution within 100 days of the date of this order and shall submit a second report within 200 days of the date of this order.

(g) It is the policy of the executive branch that, to the extent permitted by law and as practicable, State and local jurisdictions be granted a role in the process of determining the placement or settlement in their jurisdictions of aliens eligible to be admitted to the United States as refugees. To that end, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall examine existing law to determine the extent to which, consistent with applicable law, State and local jurisdictions may have greater involvement in the process of determining the placement or resettlement of refugees in their jurisdictions, and shall devise a proposal to lawfully promote such involvement.

Sec. 6. Rescission of Exercise of Authority Relating to the Terrorism Grounds of Inadmissibility. The Secretaries of State and Homeland Security shall, in consultation with the Attorney General, consider rescinding the exercises of authority in section 212 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1182, relating to the terrorism grounds of inadmissibility, as well as any related implementing memoranda.

Sec. 7. Expedited Completion of the Biometric Entry-Exit Tracking System. (a) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall expedite the completion and implementation of a biometric entry-exit tracking system for all travelers to the United States, as recommended by the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States.

(b) The Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to the President periodic reports on the progress of the directive contained in subsection (a) of this section. The initial report shall be submitted within 100 days of the date of this order, a second report shall be submitted within 200 days of the date of this order, and a third report shall be submitted within 365 days of the date of this order. Further, the Secretary shall submit a report every 180 days thereafter until the system is fully deployed and operational.

Sec. 8. Visa Interview Security. (a) The Secretary of State shall immediately suspend the Visa Interview Waiver Program and ensure compliance with section 222 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1222, which requires that all individuals seeking a nonimmigrant visa undergo an in-person interview, subject to specific statutory exceptions.

(b) To the extent permitted by law and subject to the availability of appropriations, the Secretary of State shall immediately expand the Consular Fellows Program, including by substantially increasing the number of Fellows, lengthening or making permanent the period of service, and making language training at the Foreign Service Institute available to Fellows for assignment to posts outside of their area of core linguistic ability, to ensure that non-immigrant visa-interview wait times are not unduly affected.

Sec. 9. Visa Validity Reciprocity. The Secretary of State shall review all nonimmigrant visa reciprocity agreements to ensure that they are, with respect to each visa classification, truly reciprocal insofar as practicable with respect to validity period and fees, as required by sections 221(c) and 281 of the INA, 8 U.S.C. 1201(c) and 1351, and other treatment. If a country does not treat United States nationals seeking nonimmigrant visas in a reciprocal manner, the Secretary of State shall adjust the visa validity period, fee schedule, or other treatment to match the treatment of United States nationals by the foreign country, to the extent practicable.

Sec. 10. Transparency and Data Collection. (a) To be more transparent with the American people, and to more effectively implement policies and practices that serve the national interest, the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Attorney General, shall, consistent with applicable law and national security, collect and make publicly available within 180 days, and every 180 days thereafter:

(i) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been charged with terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; convicted of terrorism-related offenses while in the United States; or removed from the United States based on terrorism-related activity, affiliation, or material support to a terrorism-related organization, or any other national security reasons since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later;

(ii) information regarding the number of foreign nationals in the United States who have been radicalized after entry into the United States and engaged in terrorism-related acts, or who have provided material support to terrorism-related organizations in countries that pose a threat to the United States, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iii) information regarding the number and types of acts of gender-based violence against women, including honor killings, in the United States by foreign nationals, since the date of this order or the last reporting period, whichever is later; and

(iv) any other information relevant to public safety and security as determined by the Secretary of Homeland Security and the Attorney General, including information on the immigration status of foreign nationals charged with major offenses.

(b) The Secretary of State shall, within one year of the date of this order, provide a report on the estimated long-term costs of the USRAP at the Federal, State, and local levels.

Sec. 11. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Weird how that still reads like a thinly veiled attempt to do exactly what I just said.

 

[Sektor]

Weird how that still reads like a thinly veiled attempt to do exactly what I just said.

By not including the top five countries in the world in this list, four of which Islam is the primary religion by a 80%+ ratio, thereby invalidates the argument of 'Muslim ban' or 'Islam ban'. The main goal, perhaps, could also be seen to bar criminals in their respective countries and peoples with violent tendencies from entering the country. Which, as far as I'm concerned, not a bad thing. This is temporary and it isn't permanent yet people assume that it is.

This is just a long 'time out' until we can figure out how to deal with these refugees. Of which Germany and the UK have been reporting issues involving said refugees. I'm not going to pretend it doesn't happen. That viewpoint is naive. Until we can come up with a better plan than 'house them all in a facility until we figure out who they are' or 'Let them all in regardless' then this is probably one of the better choices. I assure you that housing all the refugees and immigrants in camps would be far worse than telling them to stay where they are. Heck, why not try for one of Saudi Arabia's 300,000 unoccupied air conditioned tents? They're closer by far in travel time.

 

[SirBoglor]

I'm waiting for the legal challenges to see how the courts respond to all this and how Trump et al will respond if they don't get what they want from the courts. I suspect there will be cries of "Fake judges!" or something similarly outlandish if any court decides that this is an overreach or tries to limit the scope or scale.

I've been thinking the same thing. He'll undoubtedly cry crooked judge/Obama's judge/etc. every time that he is denied what he wants by one. It puts federal judges in a dangerous position, since any judge that denies his wishes will undoubtedly be threatened by a myriad of Trump's supporters.

 

[gimmepie]

Snip

Alternative theory: The Middle East, which is most widely associated with Muslims, is being targeted by people who don't actually know very much about the religion. That would explain why there's been a halt to immigration from middle eastern countries and not Asian ones even though there's really not that big a difference in the number of immigrants from either even though plenty of Islamic extremists have originated from Pakistan, Bangladesh etc. In fact, didn't they find Bin Laden hiding out in Pakistan?

Of course, by far most of the immigrants to the US from Islamic countries are from Iran with Iraq also being right up there. Syria appears surprisingly low but this was from before the refugee crisis really hit full swing and it was already steadily growing, So that's probably in the top five now at a guess.

Also, it's not permanent for all countries sure. From my understanding though, at least Syria has had immigration frozen indefinitely. I'm also sure that Rudy Giuliani's statements openly admitting Trump cited it as a "Muslim ban" have no basis in fact (note the sarcasm).

I'm also sure that there's absolutely no persecution against Islamic immigrants in play even though this is cited as an act to protect American's from violent terrorist attacks even though there has never been a fatal attack by refugees from any of the countries hit by the ban in US history. Hell, for memory I don't think any of those were even involved in 9/11 which is every Islamophobe's favourite thing to cite.

You want further proof that this has more to do with persecuting Muslims than it does protecting Americans? There are other countries that Trump isn't hitting that do have fatalities and major terrorist attacks to their names. The only difference is that Trump is doing business there so he can't do anything to hinder that. Then there's all those actual dangerous, fatal (terrorist attacks) committed by non-Muslim American citizens that have families that have been in the country for years that Trump has exactly no plans for dealing with. If you think this isn't motivated by blind hatred and xenophobia you're kidding yourself.

 

[Esper]

Regardless of whether or not the intent, the execution and practice put in place equate less of a ban than when Obama had halted Iranians and Iraqis from entering the country sometime during 2011 for a longer period of time than this proposes. Now, I need not remind you that the globes countries with the greatest population of Muslims. Indonesia, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh and Nigeria. All of which contain a greater number of Muslims than the countries proposed to block.

The ban targets countries that the Obama Administration has labeled as 'terrorist hotbeds'. Politifact does a nice job by cookie cutting the biggest issue people have with the temporary ban. This isn't something from the far left field that wasn't foreseeable. Obama has used this power multiple times to target the same exact countries and not a peep was to be heard when his ban extended from six months to a year.

Calling it a 'Muslim ban' is not correct. It does not ban all Muslims, and if that was the goal then the countries I mentioned would have been at the top of the list.

What Obama did there should not have been allowed either. Yes, people are paying more attention to this one because it's come from Trump (or more likely Bannon or some other puppeteer), but the Trump team has also pushed it further and made a big show of it so getting more attention is their fault for flaunting it.

It is not a complete Muslim ban, but it's a partial one. The intention and the effect is one of banning Muslims disproportionately.

It also goes against the Immigration Act of 1965.

"No person shall receive any preference of priority or be discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of his race, sex, nationality, place of birth, or place of residence, except as specifically provided in section 101 (a) (27), section 201 (b), and in section 203"
​

Those sections deal with giving extra priority to family members.

 

[Raffy98]

Just heard it on the news and I couldn't believe it:
Trump has fired the US Attorney General Sally Yates because she refused to defend the order banning Muslim people from entering the USA.

You can find The Guardian's article on the topic here.