New Visa Regulations for the U.S. for Iran and Five Other Countries

The Associated Press reports that the Trump administration has sent new regulations for visa issuance for citizens of Iran and five other countries to its embassies, requiring applicants to have a "close family member" or business ties in the United States. These new regulations follow the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to implement parts of the temporary entry ban for citizens of six predominantly Muslim countries and refugees. At the same time, Reuters reported that the new ban includes those who have "no ties to the U.S." The Associated Press describes the family relationships for visa applicants as including parents, spouses, children, adult sons or daughters, spouses of children, and siblings residing in the United States. These ties, except in specific cases, also include those refugees from various countries who are still awaiting their asylum applications to be processed by the U.S. government. The Associated Press states that according to the regulations sent to U.S. embassies, grandparents, grandchildren, or family members such as uncles, aunts, or their children do not qualify as necessary ties for obtaining a visa. The U.S. State Department explains that economic and business ties with the United States must be "formal, verified during a normal business period and not just to circumvent" Trump's immigration order. Journalists, students, staff, or professors benefiting from a formal invitation or work contract are not included in the ban. These exceptions do not cover those merely seeking business or educational relationships with American organizations to obtain a visa. Pre-booking a hotel or car, even if a deposit has been made, is not sufficient for obtaining a visa. Based on documents reviewed by the Associated Press, senior officials at the U.S. consulate can consider exceptions for citizens of the six countries if they have previously had "significant ties to the United States." Parts of Trump's immigration order, which have been approved by the U.S. Supreme Court, will take effect at 8 PM Thursday (4:30 AM Friday Tehran time). The U.S. Supreme Court implemented parts of the temporary entry ban for citizens of Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, and Libya, as well as refugees, on July 5. Trump's executive order was issued on March 6 of the previous year. The President of the United States and supporters of this order claim it helps national security and prevents "terrorist attacks" on U.S. soil. Opponents argue that it contradicts the U.S. Constitution and is effectively aimed at "creating a ban on Muslim entry" into the country. For example, a court in Hawaii has argued that Trump's immigration order is contrary to immigration laws and the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which prohibits the government from favoring or opposing any particular religion. The U.S. government claims that this order does not pertain to Muslims or believers of any specific religion.