Latest news with #SIVs
Newsweek
01-08-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Trump Admin Pushing for New Judge in Green Card Lawsuit, Lawyer Says
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Trump administration's move to shift an immigration case involving foreign nationals to a new judge has resulted in new and urgent legal filings, a lawyer for the plaintiffs has told Newsweek. Newsweek reached out to the State Department via email for comment. Why It Matters A number of Afghans who had assisted American forces following the United States' two-decade military presence in the region were provided Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) or Temporary Protected Status (TPS). Policy changes under the Trump administration, however, have resulted in the termination of TPS for some people, raising concerns about potential deportations. The U.S. ended TPS for Afghans effective July 14, 2025, according to a Department of Homeland Security notice published in May. President Donald Trump has vowed to remove millions of migrants without legal status. This has left a number of foreign nationals unsure of their legal status. It translates to more than 9,000 people losing their protection from deportation and authorization to work, according to the International Rescue Committee. The White House said in January that anyone living in the country unlawfully is considered to be a "criminal." The U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C., on July 19, 2019. The U.S. Department of State building in Washington, D.C., on July 19, 2019. Getty Images What To Know On July 22, 102 nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Togo, Somalia, and Iran, including 55 Diversity Visa 2025 (DV-2025) program selectees and their 47 beneficiaries, filed a lawsuit challenging the lawfulness of Presidential Proclamation 10949, Restricting the Entry of Foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats. Plaintiffs challenged the travel ban under a nondelegation theory, as well as challenging the State Department's policy of treating an entry ban as a visa issuance ban—which lawyers for the plaintiffs claim is beyond the scope of the president's authority. The case was assigned to U.S. District Court Judge Tanya Chutkan, who already is overseeing two other lawsuits where Iranian visa applicants are seeking leave to amend their complaints to also challenge the travel ban. Chutkan, who has a past history with Trump due to her previously overseeing the president's federal election interference case, previously cited the aforementioned misinterpretation of law in a September 2021 opinion, Rai v Biden. On Friday, Curtis Morrison told Newsweek that he, on behalf of the plaintiffs in the case Thein v. Trump that challenges the lawfulness of travel ban, filed motions for both expedited discovery and preliminary injunction—saying that the Trump administration "is desperately trying to get this case transferred away from Judge Chutkan, using the exact opposite logic they used in similar case before her in 2020." The motion for preliminary injunction calls the defendants' actions delaying and withholding a proper adjudication of diversity visas "unlawful," and mandates that they "fulfill their nondiscretionary duty to process plaintiffs' immigrant visa applications; compel a proper adjudication of Plaintiffs' immigrant visa applications; and issue diversity visas to eligible plaintiffs before September 30, 2025, the end of fiscal year." Time is of the essence, according to Morrison. "The motion for preliminary injunction, that's necessary because we need a timely decision on whether or not the ban is lawful or not because for diversity visa applicants, their journey ends on September 30," Morrison said. "They don't get to immigrate if they don't overcome this ban by then, so that's why we're pushing for that. "The motion for expedited discovery—basically, [Secretary of State Marco] Rubio has sent a cable to the embassies; this is the way they implement proclamations with guidance on how to implement it, and since we're alleging that that guidance was a misinterpretation of law and unlawful, we need that cable." Morrison was an attorney who stood before Chutkan in a visa diversity lawsuit back in 2020, where the government argued that the case had to be taken from her and given to another judge who at the time was already handling cases regarding the government proclamation. "The irony of that is now they're arguing the opposite, and they're saying just because she has other cases challenging the proclamation, they're different visa categories and so this case should get reassigned," Morrison said. "So, it's just obvious that it's not in good faith. They're just trying to get away from her because they know her view on this legal issue. ...We're on track right now to get an order that causes a serious problem with the implementation of the travel ban." What People Are Saying President Donald Trump in his June 4 proclamation: "As President, I must act to protect the national security and national interest of the United States and its people. I remain committed to engaging with those countries willing to cooperate to improve information-sharing and identity-management procedures, and to address both terrorism-related and public-safety risks. Nationals of some countries also pose significant risks of overstaying their visas in the United States, which increases burdens on immigration and law enforcement components of the United States, and often exacerbates other risks related to national security and public safety." The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on May 5: "Green cards and visas will be revoked if an alien breaks the law." It said in a later post: "USCIS works alongside our @DHSgov and @StateDept partners each day to keep America, and Americans, safe. From designating foreign terrorist organizations to imposing sanctions, we're taking action to protect and secure our nation for your families, friends, and future." Senator Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, previously told Newsweek: "The Trump administration's decision to turn its back on our Afghan allies who risked their lives and the lives of their families to support American troops in Afghanistan is unconscionable." What Happens Next Morrison expects to receive a response next week of whether Chutkan will proceed in overseeing this case or not.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Afghans in Northern Virginia react to first day of travel ban
ALEXANDRIA, Va. () — Monday marks the first day of President Donald Trump's latest travel ban, which includes mostly African and Middle Eastern countries. Over the past few years, thousands of Afghan refugees have come to the D.C. area. Afghanistan is now on that travel ban list. Can you still visit the countries listed under Trump's travel ban? At the Afghan Market in Alexandria, people who spoke with DC News Now discussed a level of disappointment at the ban. 'We are disappointed about the travel ban, especially for those Afghan allies that they left behind,' said Farid Younsei, who lives in Virginia. Younsei said many in the Afghan community in Northern Virginia came to the U.S. during mass evacuations once the Taliban took over, but not all of their family members joined them. 'Most of them are in neighboring countries, like in Pakistan, and in Qatar, and in United Arab Emirates,' he said. Those family members left behind are the people on the minds of those who spoke about the travel ban. 'I kinda worry about them because one day, or maybe another day, they're going to figure it out about them — that they used to work with the embassy, or used to work with the government. And your life would be in danger. 100%,' Fertaos Bakhshi, of Alexandria, said. Trump's rationale for the travel ban is public safety. 'We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,' the president said in a video on social media. International students confused, anxious about their futures under second Trump term At the market in Alexandria, there's a feeling that the ban can harm those looking for a better and safer life. 'If you compare Afghanistan to United States, it means like you compare hell to paradise,' Bakhshi said. 'The bad and good, now the immigrants, they're getting mixed with each other. So it's kind of difficult to separate them.' The leader of a local organization supporting newly arriving Afghan refugees tells DC News Now it's important to note that the U.S. government is continuing to issue special immigrant visas and is allowing the recipients of the SIVs and their families to travel. However, they also expressed that one of the most significant concerns is that it takes away some of the different tools to help reunite families who have been separated during the initial evacuation, or later due to the visa process. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Time of India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Donald Trump's new travel ban revives controversial policy, blocks entry from 12 nations including Afghanistan & Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced the return of a major policy from his earlier term, introducing a new travel ban that will go into effect on June 9, 2025, at 12:01 AM EDT. The revised ban restricts entry into the United States for citizens from 12 countries and imposes partial restrictions on travelers from 7 other nations. Most of the affected countries are predominantly Muslim. In a video, Trump linked the ban to the recent Boulder, Colorado attack, citing it as an example of threats posed by visa overstays. The attacker in that incident was from Egypt, which is not on the list. Trump justified the move, saying some countries have 'deficient' screening and vetting systems and fail to repatriate citizens. Full list of affected countries The 12 countries now banned from U.S. entry include: Afghanistan, Chad, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Myanmar, Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. The 7 countries under restricted travel include: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan, and Venezuela. The order excludes certain categories such as: Green card holders, dual nationals using passports from non-restricted countries, diplomats with valid non-immigrant visas, athletes and relatives attending international sports events, holders of Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) from Afghanistan or U.S. government employees and adoption-related and family-based visa holders. Donald Trump reinstates a travel ban covering 12 countries | Credit: X Justification and legal basis The new ban builds upon an executive order signed on January 20, directing federal agencies to assess risks posed by countries with 'hostile attitudes' and high visa overstay rates. Trump's statement said Afghanistan lacked a 'competent or cooperative central authority' to issue reliable documents, and similar reasons were cited for other countries. The U.S. Supreme Court upheld a version of the original travel ban in 2018, and this updated order attempts to avoid the legal and logistical confusion that marked its 2017 rollout by providing advanced notice. Responses and reactions Critics of the ban, including Oxfam America, have condemned the move. Abby Maxman, its president, called the policy one of 'division,' arguing it targets communities seeking safety and opportunity. Others voiced concern over the inclusion of countries like Afghanistan, whose citizens had previously supported U.S. forces. Shawn VanDiver, president of #AfghanEvac, said including Afghanistan was 'a moral disgrace' and an insult to veterans and allies. Trump countered that the decision was based on practical concerns about identification and documentation processes. Past vs present The original travel ban from Trump's first term affected countries such as Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria, and Yemen, and was widely referred to as a 'Muslim ban'. Trump has consistently defended these actions on national security grounds, while critics have pointed to his earlier statements during the 2016 campaign calling for a complete ban on Muslims entering the U.S. This time, the list includes countries that were not part of the previous bans, such as Haiti and Myanmar, both now cited for overstay rates and unstable domestic governance.
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First Post
05-06-2025
- Politics
- First Post
5 exemptions from Trump's 12-country travel ban
The US has clarified that the exemptions to Trump's 12-country travel ban are intended to provide flexibility for individuals who may face hardship or discrimination under the sweeping policy read more In the wake of President Donald Trump's controversial travel ban on citizens from twelve countries, the White House has clarified certain exemptions to the restrictions. While citizens from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, Libya, and Somalia face a complete or partial travel ban, the administration has outlined five key exceptions for specific groups. Here's what you need to know: Athletes travelling for major sporting events One of the more notable exemptions is for athletes who are travelling to the United States for major international sporting events, including the World Cup, the Olympics, and other high-profile competitions. This allows athletes from the 12 affected countries to participate in events such as the Summer or Winter Olympics, even if their home countries are under the travel ban. The administration has stated that this exception aims to promote global sportsmanship and fairness, ensuring athletes are not penalised for their nationalities when competing on the world stage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Immigrant visa holders from ethnic and religious minorities in Iran Another exception applies to individuals holding immigrant visas for ethnic and religious minorities facing persecution in Iran. This includes those who are part of groups such as the Baha'i community, religious minorities, or ethnic minorities who have been specifically targeted for violence or oppression by the Iranian government. The move has been seen as a gesture of support for persecuted populations, with the Trump administration emphasizing its commitment to human rights and its belief in offering refuge to those in need, particularly when they are fleeing religious or ethnic violence. Afghan nationals holding Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs) Afghan nationals who have worked alongside US military and diplomatic personnel in Afghanistan are exempt from the travel ban, as long as they hold Special Immigrant Visas (SIVs). This exemption is designed to protect individuals who have put their lives at risk in support of US interests during the conflict in Afghanistan. The exemption is part of the US's continued effort to honor its commitment to the safety and security of those who assisted American forces during the war, ensuring they can escape potential retaliation after the US withdrawal from Afghanistan. Lawful permanent residents of the US Citizens who are lawful permanent residents (green card holders) of the United States are also exempt from the travel ban. This includes individuals who have already established their residence in the US and are returning from trips abroad. The White House has assured that this exemption will allow permanent residents to continue living their lives without unnecessary disruption, though their re-entry into the country may still require additional security screening depending on their travel history. Dual nationals from non-banned countries Finally, dual nationals who hold citizenship in one of the countries included in the travel ban as well as a country not affected by the restrictions, will be allowed to travel to the US under their non-banned nationality. This provision ensures that individuals with multiple citizenships aren't unfairly targeted due to their country of origin. For example, a dual national who is both a citizen of Somalia and a citizen of a European Union country would be exempt from the ban as long as they travel on their EU passport. Why this Trump order became controversial While these exemptions have provided some relief to affected individuals, the travel ban continues to face significant criticism from human rights groups and international observers. Critics argue that the policy is discriminatory and fails to address the root causes of security concerns, while others contend that it unfairly targets specific nationalities without clear evidence of security threats. However, the Trump administration insists that the ban is a necessary step to safeguard national security and ensure that individuals coming into the US undergo proper vetting. The US has clarified that the exemptions to Trump's 12-country travel ban are intended to provide flexibility for individuals who may face hardship or discrimination under the sweeping policy. As the debate continues over the fairness and efficacy of the travel ban, these exceptions serve as a reminder that immigration policies often involve complex and sometimes contradictory considerations, balancing national security with international commitments and human rights. For now, those impacted by the ban face a complex problem. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD
Yahoo
07-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Looming Trump travel ban strikes fear in Afghans who worked with U.S. military
Expectations that President Donald Trump will soon bar Afghans and Pakistanis from entering the United States has set off panic among Afghans who were promised visas for their work with the U.S. military, according to three refugee advocates. The Trump administration is preparing a new travel ban that will prohibit citizens of multiple countries from traveling to the United States based on concerns related to security and vetting, according to the advocates, who said they were informed directly by government officials. Afghanistan and Pakistan will likely be part of that blacklist, and the travel ban could be announced as soon as next week, they said. Reuters first reported on the proposed travel ban. In his first term in office, Trump imposed similar travel bans that blacklisted Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Venezuela and Yemen. A State Department spokesperson said Friday that the agency is undertaking a full review of all visa programs but did not offer any details on the countries under consideration. 'The visa adjudication process must ensure that U.S.-bound foreign travelers do not pose a threat to the national security and public safety of the United States,' the spokesperson added. Refugee advocate groups have appealed to the administration to make an exception for tens of thousands of Afghans who have received or who are due to receive special immigrant visas (SIVs) for their work for the U.S. military or American embassy during the 20-year U.S. war in Afghanistan. But with no guarantee that the White House will carve out an exception for the Afghans who worked as interpreters or in other jobs, nonprofit organizations are racing to help the Afghans fly to the United States before a ban takes effect. Thousands of Afghans who are in Pakistan, Qatar and Albania and who have SIV paperwork are scrambling to get final approvals and arrange flights to the U.S. with the help of refugee aid organizations, advocates said. 'The news of a possible travel ban imposed on Afghans has created utter panic within the SIV community,' according to Kim Staffieri, co-founder and executive director of the Association of Wartime Allies, a nonprofit that helps Afghans resettle in the United States. The frenetic atmosphere is reminiscent of the chaos that marked the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 under the Biden administration, when Taliban militants quickly routed Afghan government troops and seized control of the capital, Staffieri and other advocates said. 'In many ways, their despair and expressions of hopelessness are worse now than what we heard in August of 2021 during the chaotic NEO (noncombatant evacuation operations),' Staffieri said. "They, as well as civil society advocates, are stunned that we are going through this all over again," she said, adding: "Our promises to our wartime allies once again stand in question." A nonprofit that helps Afghans who worked for the U.S. government, AfghanEvac, issued an urgent alert Wednesday advising all Afghan citizens holding valid U.S. visas to 'travel as soon as possible' to the United States, citing 'credible indications' of an imminent travel ban on Afghan nationals. Shawn VanDiver, the head of AfghanEvac, said he hoped the president and his aides would carve out an exception for Afghan partners, especially given how much the Trump campaign criticized the Biden White House for its handling of the U.S. pullout of Afghanistan in 2021. 'The Trump folks had a lot to say about the Biden administration leaving people (Afghans) behind, and they were,' VanDiver said. 'And now they're not lifting a finger to help our wartime allies, at least what we can see.' Last month, NBC News reported that the Trump administration told the office overseeing the resettlement of Afghans to the United States to draw up plans to possibly shut down by April. The move could strand more than 250,000 Afghans and their families who face persecution from the Taliban for their ties to America. In an executive order issued on Inauguration Day, Trump ordered the State Department to start identifying countries 'for which vetting and screening information is so deficient as to warrant a partial or full suspension on the admission of nationals from those countries.' The president gave the State Department, along with other federal agencies, 60 days to submit a report on the requested list of countries. This article was originally published on
