Alert: Impact of US Executive Order on Canadians Travelling to U.S.
On January 27, 2017, the President of the United States signed an Executive Order suspending the entry into the United States of citizens and nationals of seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen.
The travel prohibition is effective immediately for an initial period of 90 days.
WHO IS AFFECTED?
- Citizens and nationals of seven countries: Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Syria, Sudan and Yemen will not be admitted into the United States
- Dual national Canadian citizens presenting a valid Canadian passport are not subject to an automatic ban
- Temporary residents in Canada from any of the seven countries will not be admitted into the United States
- Canadian Permanent Residents from any of the seven countries are at heightened risk of being denied entry and detained if travelling to the United States
- Temporary residents (including students and temporary foreign workers) in Canada who are from any of the seven countries will not be admitted into the United States
UPDATE
The United States Court District of Massachusetts has granted a temporary restraining order permitting travelers to enter into the Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) who would otherwise not be permitted under the Executive Order. Some airlines have begun boarding travelers of the above seven countries as a result.
RESOURCES
- EY Mobility: immigration alert – A summary of the impact to Canadians.
- BCCLA Post: Latest: Canadians and the US Travel Ban – Information on the Safe Third Country Agreement
- ACLU – The American Civil Liberties Union is among several U.S. organizations that are challenging the executive order in court. They are posting updates of developments, though they may not have Canada-specific information.
- Islamophobia Hotline (BC Specific) – Free confidential legal advice if you feel that you have been discriminated, harassed, or faced violence because you are Muslim or were perceived to be Muslim.
Stay tuned for further developments.
