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Photo: Reuters
Boston protesters
Photo: Reuters

Concern over Trump's travel ban for Israelis

Following Trump's imposition of an immigration ban on citizens from 7 Muslim-majority states, Israelis born in those countries fear they may be included.

Following President Trump’s imposition of a temporary immigration ban on citizens from 7 Muslim countries last week, concerns have arisen in Israel over whether the measure could adversely affect some of its dual-nationality citizens’ abilities to enter the US.

 

 

American diplomats and lawyers specializing in immigration to the US warn that Israelis born in one of the 7 Muslim countries on Trump's list may be included in the ban. The list includes Syria, Sudan, Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Iran and Yemen.

 

American embassy in Tel Aviv (Photo: AFP) (Photo: AFP)
American embassy in Tel Aviv (Photo: AFP)

 

An American consul, who previously served in the American embassy in Tel Aviv and defines herself as a friend of Israel, believes that "if you are a citizen of one of those countries and not an American citizen, you will be banned entry into the US for 90 days. This will apply to you even if you have an additional citizenship such as an Israeli one, and even if you have a valid immigration visa, tourist's visa, refugee visa, or a work visa. Even if you have a green card, you may be included in the temporary ban."

 

Washington protest (Photo: AP)
Washington protest (Photo: AP)

 

Later on, the White House clarified that green card holders will be able to enter the US.

 

Liam Schwartz, a lawyer specializing in immigration laws to the US, warned Israelis holding citizenship of these other countries to avoid travel to the US. "I recommend that Israelis born in these countries avoid travelling to the US in the near future until we clear things up. I don't think I'm exaggerating by saying this. The ban is unequivocal," Schwartz said.

 

Photo: AP
Photo: AP
 

 

Trump's executive order is already directly affecting thousands of Israelis by cancelling the existing decree to exempt individuals between the ages of 14-80 requesting a visa, or people asking to renew their visa, from a personal interview.

 

Following Trump's order, every visa candidate must undergo an interview at the consulate. This will weigh heavily on the American consulates in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, which may lengthen the waiting period for an interview date.

 

Boston protest (Photo: Reuters)
Boston protest (Photo: Reuters)

 

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs decided to address the American consul in Tel Aviv in order to clarify whether the ban will include Israelis born in the Muslim countries. The American consul responded that the subject still remains unclear and that the embassy is awaiting clarification from the Washington State Department.

 

Around the US, large protests continued late into the night on Sunday against Trump's decision as tens of thousands protested in several major cities.

 

Miami protest (Photo: Orit Ben-Azar)
Miami protest (Photo: Orit Ben-Azar)
 

 

Trump stated that his decision to ban entrance of citizens from Muslim countries is not a ban on Muslims, but rather a step to safeguard national security. He added that he would review the visas for all countries in the upcoming 90 days.

 

Ever since the ban, hundreds of individuals have been arrested or deported from American airports. Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer said that "what we are talking about here is a matter of life and death for many people. I will not rest until these horrible orders are annulled."

 


פרסום ראשון: 01.30.17, 10:26
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