A new Muslim Ban Executive Order (Muslim Ban 2.0) was signed this week on Monday, March 6 2017. We are reviewing it to see how exactly it will be rolled out, but some general information based on what we know now is included below. Please note that this information is subject to change based on the various legal challenges that may be advanced in court.

When Does It Start?

The Muslim Ban 2.0 will not go into effect until March 16, 2017. The older order, signed on January 27, 2017, was revoked and replaced with this new order. Regardless, the temporary court order placing the older order on hold is still active.

Who Will Be Impacted?

Travel Restriction for Nationals of Six Countries

  • It applies to Iran, Yemen, Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia
  • Iraq is no longer on the list but will still face additional processing
  • A 90-day travel restriction for nationals of those countries starts on March 16, 2017 at 12:01 a.m. EST

Who Is Not Included

  • Green card holders (also known as Legal Permanent Residents) will not be targeted
  • Dual nationals who enter the U.S. using a passport from a non-designated country will not be targeted
  • Immigrants and non-immigrants who were granted a visa before January 27, 2017 will not be targeted
  • Waivers will be considered on a case-by-case basis for medical care, business, and study. However, we do not have any information about the waiver process

Refugee Program

  • A 120-day halt of the entire refugee program will start on March 16, 2017
  • Syrian refugees are no longer specifically excluded for an indefinite period of time
  • The number of refugees to be admitted to the United States for fiscal year 2017 is reduced to 50,000, down from 110,000 during the Obama administration.

How to Get Legal Help?

You can contact our organization if:

  • You or someone you know are impacted by this executive order with a specific case and are seeking legal advice and assistance
  • Your community would like to request a “Know Your Rights” presentation
  • You are planning to travel abroad and want to make sure you and your family are protected
  • You need a referral to an experienced immigration attorney

CAIR and our nationwide partners are already responding to make sure that the ban is put back into the dustbin of history where it belongs.

Here are some actions you can take today to make an impact:

  • If you or someone you know from one of the impacted countries is planning to travel, we advise contacting an attorney first.  Contact the CAIR-OK Civil Rights Department with any questions or to obtain a referral at 405-415-6851 ex. 2.
  • Report bias incidents at airports or during travel at www.cairoklahoma.com/report or by calling the Civil Rights Department at 405-415-6851 ex. 2.
  • Call your elected officials and let them know that you expect them to stand strong and be vocal opponents of the ban. Contact the CAIR-OK Government Affairs Director Anna Facci if you need help at afacci@cair.com
  • Sign up to get trained as a higher level CAIR-OK volunteer and empower us to hold more legal information sessions, immigration clinics and civic engagement workshops. And encourage your local masjid, community group, MSA, or youth group to book a workshop with CAIR-OK today!
  • Your financial support helps us continue the work against the Muslim Ban and other urgent matters. You can support our efforts with a donation here