Dear International Students & Scholars:

On March 6, 2017, President Trump signed an Executive Order entitled "Protecting The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry To The United States." This Executive Order will take effect at 12:01 a.m. EST on March 16, 2017, and impacts certain individuals seeking entry to the U.S. who are from Iran, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.  The Executive Order does not apply to individuals who are within the United States on the effective date of the Order or to those individuals who hold a valid visa. However, international students and scholars from the six affected countries or traveling to these countries are strongly encouraged to seek guidance from an OIE advisor prior to international travel.  All travelers should expect increased scrutiny while passing through customs and immigration, including the possibility of being asked to undergo additional screening measures on a case-by-case basis.  Please be aware that there may be future changes to interpretation and/or implementation of this Executive Order.  You can follow any changes on the government websites listed below.

DHS Q&A:                                                            https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/06/qa-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states

DHS fact sheet:                                                  https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/03/06/fact-sheet-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states

Full text of the Executive Order:               https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2017/03/06/executive-order-protecting-nation-foreign-terrorist-entry-united-states

Department of State:                                     https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/news/executive-order-on-protecting-the-nation-from-terrorist-attacks-by-foreign-nationals.html


Office of International Education
University of Texas at Arlington
(817) 272-2355