The Supreme Court upheld President Trump’s travel ban. It essentially restricts entry of foreign nationals from seven countries: Iran, North Korea, Syria, Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Venezuela. While there are many exceptions to the rule, this decision affirms the president’s statutory authority to decide who is allowed to enter the U.S. Immigration advocates still maintain the travel ban is unconstitutional and discriminatory. However, based on the recent decision, it would take an act of Congress to reverse the travel ban.
Citizens of the banned countries who have some connection to the U.S. can request a waiver to travel to the U.S. for medical treatment, to visit a close family member, or for business or educational obligations. According to the Reuters news agency, of more than 8,400 applicants between December 8, 2017 and January 8, 2018, only 128 travelers from the banned countries qualified for and were granted a waiver.