Trump's Travel Ban Mega Thread

[geowrian 22,337]

6 minutes ago, J+J said:

I agree.  So on that note, based on the current ambiguity, are embassies free to give out K-1 visas until the DOS explicitly clarifies to not approve K-1s?  Will it vary by embassy?

I'm watching the FAM to see if/when the DOS sets a formal guideline for the consulates. See towards the bottom for the existing ban.

https://fam.state.gov/FAM/09FAM/09FAM030214.html

[Ksun 7]

The real fact is that, the ban is not 100% non issuance of visas, the visas is restricted to a certain percentage.  This means that which ever category u are. Some people will still be given visas during the ban period. But very few percentage. Maybe like 10% or less of those that supposed to receive normally. It's the discretion of the co to decide who to give and who not to give. This what explained explicitly by Chad Wolf DHS boss. He also shows a chat of the previous countries that were on the ban list. Showing the numbers of immigrants visas and k- visas that were issued to those nations.

I'm still trying to retrieve that article. Soon I will post the link.

[sandraigho 53]

5 hours ago, Ksun said:

The real fact is that, the ban is not 100% non issuance of visas, the visas is restricted to a certain percentage.  This means that which ever category u are. Some people will still be given visas during the ban period. But very few percentage. Maybe like 10% or less of those that supposed to receive normally. It's the discretion of the co to decide who to give and who not to give. This what explained explicitly by Chad Wolf DHS boss. He also shows a chat of the previous countries that were on the ban list. Showing the numbers of immigrants visas and k- visas that were issued to those nations.

I'm still trying to retrieve that article. Soon I will post the link.

So the K1 were issued visas?

[NatashaK1 158]

8 hours ago, geowrian said:

I've had a few conversations with both wise VJ members and some professionals.

The expectation from the vast majority of them is that the ban will impact K-1s. But nobody is certain until either DOS clarifies their stance or people are actually issued or refused the visas under that provision.

 

The wording in the proclamation does only say immigrant visas. A K-1 is a non-immigrant visa. So it makes sense that it does not apply if strictly interpreted.

At the same time, I would also refer to the previous proclamation that SCOTUS ruled on. See the full text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-proclamation-enhancing-vetting-capabilities-processes-detecting-attempted-entry-united-states-terrorists-public-safety-threats/.

This only says immigrants as well, but has actually been applied to K-1s as well.

 

Chad: "The entry into the United States of nationals of Chad, as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, is hereby suspended."

Libya: "The entry into the United States of nationals of Libya, as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, is hereby suspended."

Yemen: "The entry into the United States of nationals of Yemen as immigrants, and as nonimmigrants on business (B-1), tourist (B-2), and business/tourist (B-1/B-2) visas, is hereby suspended."

 

A strict reading of the above also implies that K-1 visas are not impacted. But the reality is they were.

 

For future reference, the DOS has actually provided a fairly handy summary of the restrictions:

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/presidential-proclamation-archive/presidential-proclamation9645.html?wcmmode=disabled

 

Edit: I saw a reference to K-3s. The issue here is that the petitions to proceed with a K-3 almost never make it to the consulate int he first place. And the travel ban doesn't impact petitions, so I'm doubtful USCIS or NVC will change their processes to allow them to make it that far. They have not thus far with the existing bans.

contrary to what you said regarding citizens of Yemen. I found this post where the OP

stated they were told during the interview that K1 visa is not under the ban.  I guess the countries where K1 is affected are countries that have a ban on both immigrant and non immigrant visas. BUT I SUGGEST WE DONT GET OUR HOPES UP!! 

[Justxxxx 56]

1

 

[fmarley 3]

So I was in the consulate today for my F1 visa and I'm glad the journey of 11years is finally over and visa was approved. While I was waiting for my interview I read the visa fees that was pasted on the wall,and K1 was clearly under the Non Immigrant Visa. I hope the government will work on meeting US security requirement in record time. Goodluck to everyone.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

2 minutes ago, fmarley said:

So I was in the consulate today for my F1 visa and I'm glad the journey of 11years is finally over and visa was approved. While I was waiting for my interview I read the visa fees that was pasted on the wall,and K1 was clearly under the Non Immigrant Visa. I hope the government will work on meeting US security requirement in record time. Goodluck to everyone.

Yes, a K-1 is classified as a non-immigrant visa.  However, the immigrant visa sections of consulates are also involved.  I would be surprised if K-1 visas are allowed to travel while spouses are not......we shall see.  I hope the ban is lifted soon.....

[NatashaK1 158]

30 minutes ago, missileman said:

Yes, a K-1 is classified as a non-immigrant visa.  However, the immigrant visa sections of consulates are also involved.  I would be surprised if K-1 visas are allowed to travel while spouses are not......we shall see.  I hope the ban is lifted soon.....

What’s more surprising is that tourists who can adjust their status are allowed to travel and are prioritized as opposed to a fiancé/spouse. 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

2 minutes ago, NatashaK1 said:

What’s more surprising is that tourists who can adjust their status are allowed to travel and are prioritized as opposed to a fiancé/spouse. 

I suspect tourists will receive a great deal of scrutiny before being allowed inside the US.  I expect an increase in denial of entry and and an increase in denied tourist visas...

 

[NatashaK1 158]

6 minutes ago, missileman said:

I suspect tourists will receive a great deal of scrutiny before being allowed inside the US.  I expect an increase in denial of entry and and an increase in denied tourist visas...

 

Oh Yh definitely! That has even been on for a while now. The approval rates have plunged in the recent years and it’s only getting worse. 

[FutureMrsDonald 14]

My fiance had his k1 interview feb 11th and was approved. We are still waiting for issuance....tomorrow the ban starts....will they still issue the visa?

[FutureMrsDonald 14]

My fiance had his k1 interview feb 11th and was approved. We are still waiting for issuance....tomorrow the ban starts....will they still issue the visa?

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

1 minute ago, FutureMrsDonald said:

My fiance had his k1 interview feb 11th and was approved. We are still waiting for issuance....tomorrow the ban starts....will they still issue the visa?

Visas are not approved until after the interview and administrative processing has been completed....hopefully, the ban will be lifted soon......Please keep us updated, because none of us really know, at this point, which visas will be issued...good luck.

[FutureMrsDonald 14]

2 minutes ago, missileman said:

Visas are not approved until after the interview and administrative processing has been completed....hopefully, the ban will be lifted soon......Please keep us updated, because none of us really know, at this point, which visas will be issued...good luck.

I talked with an immigration attorney yesterday and he stated k1 will not be affected, but we will see.

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

3 minutes ago, FutureMrsDonald said:

I talked with an immigration attorney yesterday and he stated k1 will not be affected, but we will see.

Hopefully, he is right, but I will be very surprised if that is true.....very surprised.  In my humble opinion, it would be wrong to issue fiance visas while not issuing spousal visas..a K-1 is a "non-immigrant visa" in name only......just my opinion......hopefully, the ban will be lifted soon.