On June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court lifted the injunction on the March 6 executive order, allowing for the reinstatement of travel restrictions, with certain limits. The Court’s decision specified that travelers from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, or Yemen intending to enter the United States with a “bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States” cannot be barred from entry. Further Court action will follow with arguments set to be heard in October 2017.
On June 29, 2017, the Department of State began implementing the executive order at embassies and consulates abroad. As stated in the Court’s decision, individuals accepting a job offer from an American company may be considered to have a “bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States,” and the State Department confirms that those who are approved for employment-related visas, such as the O and P visas used by artists, may not be subject to the travel restrictions. The final decision for visa approval rests with consular officials.
The League’s Artists from Abroad site will be updated with information for artists as further details regarding implementation are available. Find background on the executive order and subsequent court action here.
Posted July 13, 2017
