Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced

Proclamation on Ending Discriminatory Bans on Entry to the United States.

This Biden administration policy revokes in its entirety the Trump-era policy identified in this entry.

On January 20, 2021, President Biden issued a presidential proclamation lifting two nationality-based travel bans issued by the Trump administration: the 2017 travel ban affecting nationals of Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen, and the 2020 ban affecting nationals of Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Myanmar (Burma), Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania.

The proclamation charges DOS with creating a plan for immigrant visas denied under the ban to be reconsidered and ensuring that visa applicants are not prejudiced by prior denials under the bans if they re-apply for a visa.

Biden Administration Action: Other

DOS Notice: Rescission of Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983

Pursuant to President Biden’s proclamation, the State Department will undertake a review to ensure that individuals whose immigrant visa applications were denied on the basis of the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by P.P. 9645 or 9983 may have their applications reconsidered. This review will consider whether to reopen immigrant visa applications that were denied due to the suspension and restriction on entry imposed by P.P. 9645 or 9983; whether it is necessary to charge an additional fee to process those visa applications; and development of a plan to expedite consideration of those visa applications.

Biden Administration Action: Revoked/Replaced

2021.03.21 Rescission of Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983

After conducting a 45-day review (noted above), the State Department announced that it would no longer summarily deny visa applicants of noncitizens from the 13 countries named in Proclamations 9645 and 9983. Applicants previously denied before under the Trump administration Proclamations can submit applications for reconsideration.

Biden Administration Action: Other

2022.01.19 Immigrant Visa Fee Exemption for Applicants Previously Refused under Presidential Proclamations 9645 and 9983

On January 21, 2022, the State Department announced that applicants for immigrant visas who had already paid an application fee in conjunction with a previous application denied solely due to Presidential Proclamation 9645 or 9983 are exempted from paying a new application fee or affidavit of support fee. This policy applies to individuals who originally applied for an immigrant visa between December 8, 2017 and January 19, 2020.

Biden Administration Action: Other

06.13.2024 - Emami Litigation - Notice to Class Members

The U.S. Department of State issued a notice stating that class-wide relief would be available starting August 12, 2024 for nationals from Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, or Yemen who were denied a visa under P.P. 9645 and fall within the certified class as demarcated by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California in the consolidated cases of Farangis Emami, et al. v. Alejandro Mayorkas and Pars Equality Center v. Antony Blinken.

Biden Administration Action: Other

Emami Litigation - Notice to Class Members

The U.S. Department of State posted a notice providing guidance on how Emami class members may verify their eligibility and benefit from the court order. Class members should complete a DS-160 Application Form and contact the embassy or consulate where they intend to interview. The U.S. Department of State estimates approximately 24,560 class members may be able to receive relief under this court order.