Legal Sidebari

Presidential Actions to Exclude Aliens Under
INA § 212(f)
May 4, 2020
In recent months, President Trump has issued several presidential proclamations that provide for the
exclusion of broad categories of non-U.S. nationals (aliens) from the United States. One set of
proclamations imposes entry restrictions in response to COVID-19. Issued between January and March
2020, these proclamations collectively suspend the entry of aliens who, within the prior 14 days, have
been in mainland China, Iran, the European Schengen Area, Ireland, or the United Kingdom. These
proclamations do not apply to lawful permanent residents (LPRs), most immediate relatives of U.S.
citizens and LPRs, and some other groups. Also related to COVID-19, a proclamation that took effect on
April 23, 2020, suspends the entry of many aliens on immigrant visas for 60 days, for the stated purposes
of protecting Americans from job competition during the economic recovery and reducing strain on the
domestic health care system. Among other limitations and exceptions, this proclamation does not apply to
LPRs, the spouses or children of U.S. citizens, health care professionals or EB-5 investors, or to aliens
who already held immigrant visas as of the proclamation’s effective date.
In a different vein, a separate proclamation issued on January 31, 2020, expands a set of entry restrictions
in place since 2017 under Presidential Proclamation 9,645, sometimes known as the third iteration of the
“Travel Ban.” Proclamation 9,645 remains in effect and suspends the entry of categories of aliens from
seven countries (Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen), subject to some
waivers and exceptions. The January 31 proclamation imposes new entry restrictions on immigrants from
six additional countries (Myanmar, Eritrea, Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, Sudan, and Tanzania), subject to similar
waivers and exceptions. These proclamations, like the proclamations related to COVID-19, do not apply
to U.S. citizens or LPRs.
For statutory authority, all of these recent proclamations rely principally upon § 212(f) of the Immigration
and Nationality Act (INA). That provision authorizes the President “to suspend the entry of all aliens or
any class of aliens” whose entry he “finds ... would be detrimental to the interests of the United States.”
The provision has been in the INA since the INA’s original enactment in 1952. (Pre-INA statutes of the
World War I and World War II eras allowed the President to impose entry restrictions only during war or
national emergency, as the Supreme Court has noted.) Although § 212(f) has been amended in some
respects since 1952, its language concerning presidential exclusion authority has remained unchanged.
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It appears that presidents did not employ § 212(f) to impose entry restrictions until the Reagan
Administration. On at least two earlier occasions—in 1953 and 1979—Presidents invoked a different
provision, INA § 215(a), to authorize Department of State regulations restricting alien entry. Since 1981,
every President has invoked § 212(f) at least once, as indicated in Table 1 below. But invocations have
become more frequent in recent administrations, particularly during the Trump Administration. President
Trump has also employed § 212(f) to impose restrictions that are broader than those most commonly
imposed by his predecessors. These broader restrictions include the restrictions described above on the
entry of categories of nationals of seven countries and on the entry of aliens as immigrants from an
additional six countries; a suspension of the entry of immigrants who lack health insurance; and, most
recently, the suspension of the entry of most immigrants for 60 days during the economic recovery from
COVID-19.
In Trump v. Hawaii, where the Supreme Court rejected legal challenges to Proclamation 9,645 by a five-
to-four vote, the Court held that the breadth of the restrictions on nationals of seven countries contained in
the third iteration of the “Travel Ban” did not exceed the President’s authority under § 212(f). The
majority stated that § 212(f) “exudes deference to the President” and grants him extremely broad power to
impose entry restrictions. The Court reasoned that § 212(f) is a “comprehensive delegation” that gives the
President discretion over every detail of the entry restrictions he sets under it, including “when to suspend
entry,” “whose entry to suspend,” “for how long,” and “on what conditions.” At least one active
legislative proposal, the “NO BAN Act” (H.R. 2214/S. 1123), would amend the statute to significantly
curtail executive branch authority to impose entry restrictions under it.
Table 1 below lists information regarding presidential proclamations and executive orders (hereinafter
“presidential documents”) issued after December 31, 1980, through May 4, 2020, that have expressly
invoked INA § 212(f) to impose entry restrictions.
 Column 1—Date of Invocation lists the date an entry restriction was issued. The entry
restrictions are arranged in reverse-chronological order.
 Column 2—Title of Order or Proclamation lists the title of the presidential document
published in the Federal Register.
 Column 3—Citation includes an executive order or proclamation number as well as
Federal Register citation. Any identified amendments or partial revocations to the entry
restrictions are noted in parentheticals.
 Column 4—Nature of Exclusion briefly summarizes the nature of the listed entry
exclusion, but does not identify waivers, exemptions, or limitations.
 Column 5—Status includes information about the status of the entry restrictions listed in
Columns 1-3, including a presidential document that entirely revoked or superseded a
listed entry restriction. “No presidential revocation identified” indicates that no rescission
by way of presidential document was found. When a complete revocation was not
identified for a listed restriction, Column 5 includes (1) the most recent reference to the
listed restriction in a presidential document (if such a reference exists) and (2) whether
the restriction is currently listed by the U.S. Department of State as affecting “the
issuance of United States Visas.” Column 5 also identifies two preliminary injunctions
blocking the corresponding entry restrictions as of May 4, 2020, as well as two Supreme
Court orders interpreting Exec. Order No. 13,780.
CRS compiled Table 1 using the parameters and limitations outlined in the “Table Methodology” section
below. Different research methodologies may yield different results.

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Table 1. Entry Restrictions Expressly Invoking INA § 212(f) Issued After December 31, 1980,
and Through May 4, 2020
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Invocations by President Donald Trump
Apr. 22, 2020
Suspension of Entry of Pres. Proc. No. 10,014,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants Who
85 Fed. Reg. 23,441
immigrants of aliens for 60
revocation
Present a Risk to the
(Apr. 27, 2020).
days.
identified.
United States Labor
Market During the
Economic Recovery
Following the 2019
Novel Coronavirus
Outbreak
Mar. 14, 2020
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,996, 85 In response to COVID-19,
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 15,341 (Mar.
suspending the entry as
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
18, 2020).
immigrants and
identified.
Certain Additional
nonimmigrants of aliens who
Persons Who Pose a
were physically present in
Risk of Transmitting
the United Kingdom or
2019 Novel
Ireland during the 14-day
Coronavirus
period before their entry or
attempted entry.
Mar. 11, 2020
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,993, 85 In response to COVID-19,
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 15,045 (Mar.
suspending the entry as
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
16, 2020).
immigrants or
identified.
Certain Additional
nonimmigrants of aliens who
Persons Who Pose a
were physically present in
Referenced in Pres.
Risk of Transmitting
the Schengen Area during
Proc. No. 9,996, 85
2019 Novel
the 14-day period before
Fed. Reg. 15,341
Coronavirus
their entry or attempted
(Mar. 18, 2020).
entry.
Feb. 29, 2020
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,992, 85 In response to COVID-19,
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 12,855 (Mar. 4, suspending the entry as
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2020).
immigrants or
identified.
Certain Additional
nonimmigrants of aliens who
Persons Who Pose a
were physically present in
Referenced in Pres.
Risk of Transmitting
Iran during the 14-day
Proc. No. 9,996, 85
2019 Novel
period before their entry or
Fed. Reg. 15,341
Coronavirus
attempted entry.
(Mar. 18, 2020).
Jan. 31, 2020
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,984, 85 In response to COVID-19,
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 6,709 (Feb. 5,
suspending the entry as
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2020).
immigrants or
identified.
Persons Who Pose a
nonimmigrants of aliens who
Risk of Transmitting
were physically present in
Referenced in Pres.
2019 Novel
mainland China during the
Proc. No. 9,996, 85
Coronavirus and
14-day period before their
Fed. Reg. 15,341
Other Appropriate
entry or attempted entry.
(Mar. 18, 2020).
Measures To Address
This Risk
Jan. 31, 2020
Improving Enhanced
Pres. Proc. No. 9,983, 85 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Vetting Capabilities
Fed. Reg. 6,699 (Feb. 5,
immigrants of nationals of
revocation
and Processes for
2020).
Myanmar, Eritrea,
identified.
Detecting Attempted
Kyrgyzstan, Nigeria, and
Entry Into the United
suspending the issuance of
States by Terrorists
diversity visas to nationals of
or Other Public-Safety
Sudan and Tanzania.
Threats

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Jan. 10, 2020
Imposing Sanctions
Exec. Order No. 13,902, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
With Respect to
85 Fed. Reg. 2,003 (Jan.
immigrants or
revocation
Additional Sectors of
14, 2020).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Iran
operating or conducting

significant transactions
Referenced in
within certain sectors of the
Notice of Mar. 12,
economy of Iran.
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
14,731 (Mar. 13,
2020).
Oct. 14, 2019
Blocking Property and
Exec. Order No. 13,894, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Suspending Entry of
84 Fed. Reg. 55,851
immigrants or
revocation
Certain Persons
(Oct. 17, 2019).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
Contributing to the
aliens contributing to the
Situation in Syria
situation in Syria.
Oct. 4, 2019
Suspension of Entry of Pres. Proc. No. 9,945, 84 Suspending the entry as
A preliminary
Immigrants Who Will
Fed. Reg. 53,991 (Oct. 9, immigrants of aliens who do
injunction currently
Financially Burden the
2019).
not have approved health
blocks
United States
insurance and do not have
implementation.
Healthcare System, in
the financial resources to
Doe v. Trump, 418
Order To Protect the
pay foreseeable medical
F. Supp. 3d 573 (D.
Availability of
costs.
Or. 2019).
Healthcare Benefits

for Americans
No presidential
revocation
identified.
Sept. 25, 2019
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,932, 84 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 51,935 (Sept.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
30, 2019).
nonimmigrants of senior
identified.
Senior Officials of the
officials of the Government

Government of Iran
of Iran and their immediate
Listed by the U.S.
family members.
Department of
State as affecting
the issuance of
visas.
Sept. 25, 2019
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 9,931, 84 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 51,931 (Sept.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
30, 2019).
nonimmigrants of specified
identified.
Persons Responsible
categories of persons

for Policies or Actions
“responsible for policies or
Listed by the U.S.
That Threaten
actions that threaten
Department of
Venezuela’s
Venezuela's democratic
State as affecting
Democratic
institutions” (e.g.,
the issuance of
Institutions
government officials with
visas.
the rank of Vice Minister or
above; military officers).
Aug. 5, 2019
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,884, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
the Government of
84 Fed. Reg. 38,843
immigrants or
revocation
Venezuela
(Aug. 7, 2019).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
persons who have provided

material assistance or
Referenced in
support to persons subject
Notice of Mar. 5,
to property restrictions due
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
to their links to the
13,473 (Mar. 6,
Government of Venezuela.
2020).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
July 26, 2019
Blocking Property and
Exec. Order No. 13,882, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Suspending Entry of
84 Fed. Reg. 37,055 (July
immigrants or
revocation
Certain Persons
30, 2019).
nonimmigrants of specified
identified.
Contributing to the
categories of persons who
Situation in Mali
have contributed to the
situation in Mali in specified
ways (e.g., by engaging in
“actions or policies that
threaten the peace, security,
or stability of Mali”).
June 24, 2019
Imposing Sanctions
Exec. Order No. 13,876, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
With Respect to Iran
84 Fed. Reg. 30,573
immigrants or
revocation
(June 26, 2019).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
government officials and

corporate executives in Iran
Referenced in
(e.g., any person “appointed
Notice of Mar. 12,
by the Supreme Leader of
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
Iran or the [Supreme
14,731 (Mar. 13,
Leader’s Office] to a
2020).
position as a state official of
Iran”), and others who
materially assist or support
them.
May 8, 2019
Imposing Sanctions
Exec. Order No. 13,871, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
With Respect to the
84 Fed. Reg. 20,761 (May immigrants or
revocation
Iron, Steel, Aluminum,
10, 2019).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
and Copper Sectors
persons operating or

of Iran
conducting business in the
Referenced in
iron, steel, aluminum, or
Notice of Mar. 12,
copper sectors of Iran.
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
14,731 (Mar. 13,
2020).
Nov. 27, 2018
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,851, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons
83 Fed. Reg. 61,505
immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
(Nov. 29, 2018).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Situation in Nicaragua
who have contributed to the
situation in Nicaragua in
Referenced in
specified ways (e.g., by
Notice of Nov. 25,
engaging in “serious human
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
rights abuse in Nicaragua”).
65,255 (Nov. 26,
2019).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Nov. 9, 2018
Addressing Mass
Pres. Proc. No. 9,822, 83 Suspending the entry of
A preliminary
Migration Through the Fed. Reg. 57,661 (Nov.
aliens between ports of
injunction currently
Southern Border of
15, 2018) (amended by
entry across the southern
blocks
the United States
Pres. Proc. No. 9,842, 84 border, in conjunction with
implementation of
Fed. Reg. 3,665 (Feb. 12,
an interim final rule
the related interim
2019) and Pres. Proc.
rendering aliens ineligible for final rule. East Bay
No. 9,880, 84 Fed. Reg.
asylum if they violate the
Sanctuary Covenant
21,229 (May 13, 2019)).
suspension on entry.
v. Trump, 950 F.3d
1242 (9th Cir.
2020).

No presidential
revocation
identified.

Referenced in
Notice of July 11,
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
33,821 (July 16,
2019).
Sept. 20, 2018
Authorizing the
Exec. Order No. 13,849, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Implementation of
83 Fed. Reg. 48,195
immigrants or
revocation
Certain Sanctions Set
(Sept. 21, 2018).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
Forth in the
persons subject to property

Countering America’s
sanctions related to the
Referenced in
Adversaries Through
Countering America’s
Notice of Feb. 25,
Sanctions Act
Adversaries Through
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
Sanctions Act (CAATSA).
11,827 (Feb. 27,
2020).
Sept. 12, 2018
Imposing Certain
Exec. Order No. 13,848,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Sanctions in the Event
Sept. 12, 2018, 83 Fed.
immigrants or
revocation
of Foreign
Reg. 46,843 (Sept. 14,
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
Interference in a
2018).
persons determined to have

United States Election
been complicit in foreign
Referenced in
interference in a United
Notice of Sept. 10,
States election.
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
48,039 (Sept. 11,
2019).
Aug. 6, 2018
Reimposing Certain
Exec. Order No. 13,846, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Sanctions With
83 Fed. Reg. 38,939
immigrants or
revocation
Respect to Iran
(Aug. 7, 2018).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
persons subject to sanctions

related to Iran (e.g., persons
Referenced in
who have materially assisted
Notice of Mar. 12,
“the purchase or acquisition
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
of U.S. bank notes or
14,731 (Mar. 13,
precious metals by the
2020).
Government of Iran”).
Dec. 20, 2017
Blocking the Property
Exec. Order No. 13,818, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
of Persons Involved in
82 Fed. Reg. 60,839
immigrants or
revocation
Serious Human Rights
(Dec. 26, 2017).
nonimmigrants of 13 named
identified.
Abuse or Corruption
persons and other persons

determined to be complicit
Referenced in
in serious human rights
Notice of Dec. 18,
abuses or corruption.
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
69,981 (Dec. 19,
2019).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Oct. 24, 2017
Resuming the United
Pres. Proc. No. 13,815,
Providing for the
No presidential
States Refugee
82 Fed. Reg. 50,055
resumption of the United
revocation
Admissions Program
(Oct. 27, 2017).
States Refugee Admissions
identified.
With Enhanced
Program upon the
Vetting Capabilities
expiration of Executive
Order 13,780, subject to
limitations established by the
Secretaries of State and
Homeland Security.
Sept. 24, 2017
Enhancing Vetting
Pres. Proc. No. 9,645, 82 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Capabilities and
Fed. Reg. 45,161 (Sept.
immigrants, nonimmigrants,
revocation
Processes for
27, 2017) (amended by
or both of specified
identified.
Detecting Attempted
Pres. Proc. No. 9,723, 83 categories of nationals of

Entry Into the United
Fed. Reg. 15,937 (Apr.
eight countries (Chad, Iran,
Listed by the U.S.
States by Terrorists
13, 2018)).
Libya, North Korea, Syria,
Department of
or Other Public-Safety
Venezuela, Yemen, and
State as affecting
Threats
Somalia).
the issuance of
visas.

Referenced in Pres.
Proc. No. 9,983, 85
Fed. Reg. 6,699
(Feb. 5, 2020)
(revoking § 5—
“Reports on
Screening and
Vetting
Procedures”—of
Pres. Proc.
No. 9,645).
Sept. 20, 2017
Imposing Additional
Exec. Order No. 13,810, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Sanctions With
82 Fed. Reg. 44,705
immigrants or
revocation
Respect to North
(Sept. 25, 2017).
nonimmigrants of specified
identified.
Korea
categories of persons

subject to property
Referenced in
sanctions for operating in
Notice of Feb. 25,
certain sectors of the North
2020, 84 Fed. Reg.
Korean economy or
29,793 (June 24,
engaging in commercial
2019).
activity in North Korea.
Mar. 6, 2017
Protecting the Nation
Exec. Order No. 13,780, Suspending for 90 days the
No presidential
From Foreign
82 Fed. Reg. 13,209
entry of aliens from six
revocation
Terrorist Entry Into
(Mar. 9, 2017).
countries (Iran, Libya,
identified.
the United States
Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and

Yemen); and suspending the
The Supreme Court
entry of all refugees for 120
determined that the
days.
90-day entry
restrictions expired
on Sept. 24, 2017,
and that the 120-
day entry
restriction expired
on Oct. 24, 2017.

Referenced by Pres.
Proc. No. 9,983, 85
Fed. Reg. 6,699
(Feb. 5, 2020).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Jan. 27, 2017
Protecting the Nation
Exec. Order No. 13,769, Suspending for 90 days the
Revoked and
From Foreign
82 Fed. Reg. 8,977 (Feb.
entry as immigrants or
replaced by Exec.
Terrorist Entry Into
1, 2017).
nonimmigrants of aliens
Order No. 13,780,
the United States
from seven countries (Iran,
82 Fed. Reg. 13,209
Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan,
(Mar. 9, 2017).
Syria, and Yemen);
suspending the entry of all
refugees for 120 days; and
suspending the entry of
refugees from Syria
indefinitely.
Invocations by President Barack Obama
Apr. 19, 2016
Blocking Property and
Exec. Order No. 13,726,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Suspending Entry Into
81 Fed. Reg. 23,559
immigrants or
revocation
the United States of
(Apr. 21, 2016).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Persons Contributing
determined to have
to the Situation in
“contributed to the situation
Libya
in Libya” in specified ways
(e.g., engaging in “actions or
policies that threaten the
peace, security, or stability”
of that country or may lead
to or result in the
misappropriation of Libyan
state assets).
Mar. 15, 2016
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,722,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
the Government of
81 Fed. Reg. 14,943
immigrants or
revocation
North Korea and the
(Mar. 18, 2016).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Workers’ Party of
determined to have engaged

Korea, and Prohibiting
in certain transactions
Referenced in
Certain Transactions
involving North Korea (e.g.,
Notice of June 21,
With Respect to
selling or purchasing metal,
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
North Korea
graphite, coal, or software
29,793 (June 24,
directly or indirectly to or
2019).
from North Korea, or to
persons acting for or on
behalf of the North Korean
government or the
Workers’ Party of Korea).
Nov. 22, 2015
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,712, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons
80 Fed. Reg. 73,633
immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
(Nov. 25, 2015).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Situation in Burundi
determined to have

“contributed to the situation Referenced in
in Burundi” in specified ways Notice of Nov. 19,
(e.g., engaging in “actions or
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
policies that threaten the
64,191 (Nov. 19,
peace, security, or stability
2019).
of Burundi,” or “undermine
democratic processes or
institutions” in that
country).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Apr. 1, 2015
Blocking the Property
Exec. Order No. 13,694,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
of Certain Persons
80 Fed. Reg. 18,077
immigrants or
revocation
Engaging in Significant
(Apr. 2, 2015) (expanded nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Malicious Cyber-
by Exec. Order
determined to have engaged

Enabled Activities
No. 13,757, 82 Fed. Reg.
in “significant malicious
Referenced in
1 (Jan. 3, 2017)).
cyber-enabled activities”
Notice of Mar. 30,
(e.g., harming or significantly
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
compromising the provision
18,103 (Mar. 31,
of services by a computer or 2019).
computer network that
supports an entity in a
critical infrastructure
sector).
Mar. 8, 2015
Blocking Property and
Exec. Order No. 13,692, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Suspending Entry of
80 Fed. Reg. 12,747
immigrants or
revocation
Certain Persons
(Mar. 11, 2015)
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Contributing to the
(expanded by Exec.
determined to have

Situation in Venezuela
Order No. 13,850, 83
“contributed to the situation Referenced in
Fed. Reg. 55,243 (Nov.
in Venezuela” in specified
Notice of Mar. 5,
2, 2018)).
ways (e.g., engaging in
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
actions or policies that
13,473 (Mar. 6,
undermine democratic
2020).
processes or institutions,
significant acts of violence or
conduct that constitutes a
serious abuse or violation of
human rights).
Jan. 2, 2015
Imposing Additional
Exec. Order No. 13,687,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Sanctions With
80 Fed. Reg. 819 (Jan. 6,
immigrants or
revocation
Respect To North
2015).
nonimmigrants of aliens with identified.
Korea
specified connections to

North Korea (e.g., officials
Referenced in
of the North Korean
Notice of June 21,
government or the
2020, 84 Fed. Reg.
Workers' Party of Korea).
29,793 (June 24,
2019).
Dec. 19, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,685,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons and
79 Fed. Reg. 77,357
immigrants or
revocation
Prohibiting Certain
(Dec. 24, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Transactions With
determined to have engaged

Respect to the
in certain transactions
Referenced in
Crimea Region of
involving the Crimea region
Notice of Feb. 25,
Ukraine
of Ukraine (e.g., materially
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
assisting, sponsoring, or
11,827 (Feb. 27,
providing financial, material,
2020).
or technological support for,
or goods or services to or
in support of, persons
whose property or interests
are blocked under the
order).

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Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
May 12, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,667,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons
79 Fed. Reg. 28,385 (May immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
15, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Conflict in the Central
determined to have

African Republic
contributed to the conflict
Referenced in
in the Central African
Notice of May 8,
Republic in specified ways
2019, 84 Fed. Reg.
(e.g., engaging in actions or
20,539 (May 10,
policies that threaten the
2019).
peace, security, or stability
of that country, or that
threaten transitional
agreements or the political
transition process).
Apr. 3, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,664,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons With
79 Fed. Reg. 19,283
immigrants or
revocation
Respect to South
(Apr. 7, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Sudan
determined to have engaged

in certain conduct as to
Referenced in
South Sudan (e.g., actions or
Notice of Apr. 1,
policies that “have the
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
purpose or effect of
18,855 (Apr. 2,
expanding or extending the
2019).
conflict” in that country, or
obstructing reconciliation or
peace talks or processes).
Mar. 20, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. No. Order 13,662,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Additional Persons
79 Fed. Reg. 16,169
immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
(Mar. 24, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Situation in Ukraine
determined to have

contributed to the situation
Referenced in
in Ukraine in specified ways
Notice of Feb. 25,
(e.g., operating in the
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
financial services, energy,
11,827 (Feb. 27,
metals and mining,
2020).
engineering, or defense and
related materiel sectors of
the Russian Federation
economy).
Mar. 16, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. No. Order 13,661,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Additional Persons
79 Fed. Reg. 15,535
immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
(Mar. 19, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Situation in Ukraine
determined to have

contributed to the situation
Referenced in
in Ukraine in specified ways
Notice of Feb. 25,
(e.g., officials of the
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
government of the Russian
11,827 (Feb. 27,
Federation, or persons who
2020).
operate in the arms or
related materiel sector).

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Congressional Research Service
11
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Mar. 6, 2014
Blocking Property of
Exec. No. Order 13,660, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Certain Persons
79 Fed. Reg. 13,493
immigrants or
revocation
Contributing to the
(Mar. 10, 2014).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Situation in Ukraine
determined to have

contributed to the situation
Referenced in
in Ukraine in specified ways
Notice of Feb. 25,
(e.g., engagement in or
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
responsibility for
11,827 (Feb. 27,
misappropriation of state
2020).
assets of Ukraine or of
economically significant
entities in that country).
June 3, 2013
Authorizing the
Exec. Order No. 13,645, Suspending the entry as
Revoked by Exec.
Implementation of
78 Fed. Reg. 33,945
immigrants or
Order No. 13,716,
Certain Sanctions Set
(June 5, 2013).
nonimmigrants of aliens who 81 Fed. Reg. 3,693
Forth in the Iran
have engaged in certain
(Jan. 21, 2016) and
Freedom and
conduct related to Iran (e.g., superseded by
Counter-Proliferation
materially assisting,
Exec. Order
Act of 2012 and
sponsoring, or providing
No. 13,846, 83 Fed.
Additional Sanctions
support for, or goods or
Reg. 38,939 (Aug. 7,
With Respect To Iran
services to or in support of,
2018).
any Iranian person included
on the list of Specially
Designated Nationals and
Blocked Persons).
Oct. 9, 2012
Authorizing the
Exec. Order No. 13,628, Suspending the entry as
Revoked and
Implementation of
77 Fed. Reg. 62,139
immigrants or
superseded by
Certain Sanctions Set
(Oct. 12, 2012)
nonimmigrants of aliens
Exec. Order
Forth in the Iran
(amended by Exec.
determined to have engaged
No. 13,846, 83 Fed.
Threat Reduction and
Order No. 13,716, 81
in certain actions involving
Reg. 38,939 (Aug. 7,
Syria Human Rights
Fed. Reg. 3,693 (Jan. 21,
Iran (e.g., knowingly
2018).
Act of 2012 and
2018)).
transferring or facilitating
Additional Sanctions
the transfer of goods or
With Respect to Iran
technologies to Iran, to
entities organized under
Iranian law or subject to
Iranian jurisdiction, or to
Iranian nationals, that are
likely to be used by the
Iranian government to
commit serious human
rights abuses against the
Iranian people).
July 11, 2012
Blocking Property of
Exec. Order No. 13,619, Suspending the entry as
Revoked by Exec.
Persons Threatening
77 Fed. Reg. 41,243 (July
immigrants or
Order 13,742, 81
the Peace, Security, or 13, 2012).
nonimmigrants of aliens
Fed. Reg. 70,593
Stability of Burma
determined to threaten the
(Oct. 12, 2016).
peace, security, or stability
of Burma in specified ways
(e.g., participation in the
commission of human rights
abuses, or importing or
exporting arms or related
materiel to or from North
Korea).

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Congressional Research Service
12
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
May 1, 2012
Prohibiting Certain
Exec. Order No. 13,608, Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Transactions With
77 Fed. Reg. 26,409 (May immigrants or
revocation
and Suspending Entry
3, 2012).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Into the United States
determined to have engaged

of Foreign Sanctions
in certain conduct as to Iran
Referenced in
Evaders With Respect
and Syria (e.g., facilitating
Notice of Mar. 12,
to Iran and Syria
deceptive transactions for
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
or on behalf of any person
14,731 (Mar. 13,
subject to U.S. sanctions
2020).
concerning Iran and Syria).
Apr. 22, 2012
Blocking the Property
Exec. Order No. 13,606,
Suspending the entry as
No presidential
and Suspending Entry
77 Fed. Reg. 24,571
immigrants or
revocation
Into the United States
(Apr. 24, 2012).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
of Certain Persons
determined to have engaged

With Respect to
in specified conduct
Referenced in
Grave Human Rights
involving “grave human
Notice of Mar. 12,
Abuses by the
rights abuses by the
2020, 85 Fed. Reg.
Governments of Iran
governments of Iran and
14,731 (Mar. 13,
and Syria via
Syria via information
2020).
Information
technology”
Technology
(e.g., operating or directing
the operation of
communications technology
that facilitates computer or
network disruption,
monitoring, or tracking that
could assist or enable
serious human rights abuses
by or on behalf of these
governments).
Aug. 4, 2011
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 8,697, 76 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 49,277 (Aug. 9, immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2011).
nonimmigrants of aliens who identified.
Persons Who
participate in serious human

Participate in Serious
rights and humanitarian law
Listed by the U.S.
Human Rights and
violations and other abuses
Department of
Humanitarian Law
(e.g., planning, ordering,
State as affecting
Violations and Other
assisting, aiding and abetting,
the issuance of
Abuses
committing, or otherwise
visas.
participating in “widespread
or systemic violence against
any civilian population”
based, in whole or in part,
on race, color, descent, sex,
disability, language, religion,
ethnicity, birth, political
opinion, national origin,
membership in a particular
social group, membership in
an indigenous group, or
sexual orientation or gender
identity).

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Congressional Research Service
13
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
July 24, 2011
Suspension of Entry of Pres. Proc. No. 8,693, 76 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Aliens Subject to
Fed. Reg. 44,751 (July 27, immigrants or
revocation
United Nations
2011).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Security Council
subject to U.N. Security

Travel Bans and
Council travel bans and
Listed by the U.S.
International
International Emergency
Department of
Emergency Economic
Economic Powers Act
State as affecting
Powers Act Sanctions
sanctions.
the issuance of
visas.

Referenced in Exec.
Order No. 13,902,
85 Fed. Reg. 2,003
(Jan. 14, 2020).
Invocations by President George W. Bush
Jan. 16, 2009
To Suspend Entry As
Pres. Proc. No. 8,342, 74 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants And
Fed. Reg. 4,093 (Jan. 22,
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2009).
nonimmigrants of foreign
identified.
Foreign Government
government officials

Officials Responsible
responsible for failing to
Listed by the U.S.
for Failing To Combat
combat trafficking in
Department of
Trafficking In Persons
persons.
State as affecting
the issuance of
visas.
June 28, 2007
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 8,158, 72 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 36,587 (July 3,
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2007).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Responsible
responsible for policies or

for Policies and
actions that threaten
Listed by the U.S.
Actions That
Lebanon’s sovereignty and
Department of
Threaten Lebanon’s
democracy (e.g., current or
State as affecting
Sovereignty and
former Lebanese
the issuance of
Democracy
government officials and
visas.
private persons who
“deliberately undermine or
harm Lebanon’s
sovereignty”).
May 12, 2006
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 8,015, 71 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 28,541 (May
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
16, 2006).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Responsible
responsible for policies or

for Policies or Actions
actions that threaten the
Listed by the U.S.
That Threaten the
transition to democracy in
Department of
Transition to
Belarus (e.g., Members of
State as affecting
Democracy in Belarus
the government of
the issuance of
Alyaksandr Lukashenka and
visas.
other persons involved in
policies or actions that
“undermine or injure
democratic institutions or
impede the transition to
democracy in Belarus”).

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Congressional Research Service
14
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Jan. 12, 2004
To Suspend Entry as
Pres. Proc. No. 7,750, 69 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants or
Fed. Reg. 2,287 (Jan. 14,
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2004).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Engaged in or
who have engaged in or

Benefiting from
benefited from corruption in Listed by the U.S.
Corruption
specified ways (e.g., current
Department of
or former public officials
State as affecting
whose solicitation or
the issuance of
acceptance of articles of
visas.
monetary value or other
benefits has or had “serious
adverse effects on the
national interests of the
United States”).
Feb. 22, 2002
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,524, 67 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 8,857 (Feb. 26,
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
2002).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Responsible
responsible for actions that

for Actions That
threaten Zimbabwe’s
Listed by the U.S.
Threaten Zimbabwe’s
democratic institutions and
Department of
Democratic
transition to a multiparty
State as affecting
Institutions and
democracy (e.g., Senior
the issuance of
Transition to a Multi-
members of the government visas.
Party Democracy
of Robert Mugabe, persons
who through their business
dealings with Zimbabwe
government officials derive
significant financial benefit
from policies that
undermine or injure
Zimbabwe’s democratic
institutions).
June 26, 2001
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,452, 66 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 34,775 (June
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
29, 2001).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Responsible
responsible for actions that

for Actions That
threaten international
Listed by the U.S.
Threaten International
stabilization efforts in the
Department of
Stabilization Efforts in
Western Balkans, or are
State as affecting
the Western Balkans,
responsible for wartime
the issuance of
and Persons
atrocities in that region.
visas.
Responsible for
Wartime Atrocities in
That Region
Invocations by President William Clinton
Oct. 10, 2000
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,359, 65 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 60,831 (Oct.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
13, 2000).
nonimmigrants of aliens who identified.
Persons Impeding the
plan, engage in, or benefit

Peace Process in
from activities that support
Listed by the U.S.
Sierra Leone
the Revolutionary United
Department of
Front or otherwise impede
State as affecting
the peace process in Sierra
the issuance of
Leone.
visas.

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Congressional Research Service
15
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Nov. 12, 1999
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,249, 64 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 62,561 (Nov.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
17, 1999).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Persons Responsible
responsible for repression

for Repression of the
of the civilian population in
Listed by the U.S.
Civilian Population in
Kosovo or policies that
Department of
Kosovo or for Policies
obstruct democracy in the
State as affecting
That Obstruct
Federal Republic of
the issuance of
Democracy in the
Yugoslavia (FRY) or
visas.
Federal Republic of
otherwise lend support to
Yugoslavia (Serbia and
the government of the FRY
Montenegro) (‘‘FRY’’)
and the Republic of Serbia.
or Otherwise Lend
Support to the
Current Governments
of the FRY and of the
Republic of Serbia
Jan. 14, 1998
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,062, 63 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 2,871 (Jan. 16,
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
1998).
nonimmigrants of members
identified.
Persons Who Are
of the military junta in Sierra
Members of the
Leone and their family.
Listed by the U.S.
Military Junta in Sierra
Department of
Leone and Members
State as affecting
of Their Families
the issuance of
visas.
Dec. 12, 1997
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 7,060, 62 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 65,987 (Dec.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
16, 1997).
nonimmigrants of senior
identified.
Persons Who Are
officials of the National
Senior Officials of the
Union for the Total
National Union for
Independence of Angola
the Total
(UNITA) and adult members
Independence of
of their immediate families.
Angola (‘‘UNITA’’)
and Adult Members of
Their Immediate
Families
Nov. 22, 1996
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,958, 61 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 60,007 (Nov.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
26, 1996).
nonimmigrants of members
identified.
Persons Who Are
of the government of Sudan,

Members or Officials
officials of that country, and
Listed by the U.S.
of the Sudanese
members of the Sudanese
Department of
Government or
armed forces.
State as affecting
Armed Forces
the issuance of
visas.
Oct. 3, 1996
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,925, 61 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 52,233 (Oct. 7, immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
1996).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Who
who “formulate, implement,
Formulate or
or benefit from policies that
Implement Policies
impede Burma’s transition
That Are Impeding the
to democracy” and their
Transition to
immediate family members.
Democracy in Burma
or Who Benefit From
Such Policies

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Congressional Research Service
16
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Oct. 25, 1994
Blocking Property and
Pres. Proc. No. 6,749, 59 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Additional Measures
Fed. Reg. 54,117 (Oct.
immigrants or
revocation
With Respect to the
27, 1994).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
Bosnian Serb-
aliens described in U.N.

Controlled Areas of
Security Council Resolution
Listed by the U.S.
the Republic of Bosnia
942 (e.g., officers of the
Department of
and Herzegovina
Bosnian Serb military and
State as affecting
paramilitary forces and
the issuance of
those acting on their behalf,
visas.
or persons found to have
provided financial, material,
logistical, military, or other
tangible support to Bosnian
Serb forces in violation of
relevant U.S. Security
Council resolutions).
Sept. 30, 1994
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,730, 59 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 50,683 (Oct. 5, immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
1994).
nonimmigrants of aliens who identified.
Persons Who
formulate, implement, or
Formulate or
benefit from policies that
Implement Policies
impede Liberia’s transition
That Are Impeding the
to democracy and those
Transition to
aliens’ immediate families.
Democracy in Liberia
or Who Benefit From
Such Policies
May 7, 1994
Suspension of Entry of Pres. Proc. No. 6,685, 59 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Aliens Whose Entry is
Fed. Reg. 24,337 (May
immigrants or
revocation
Barred Under United
10, 1994).
nonimmigrants of aliens
identified.
Nations Security
described in U.N. Security

Council Resolution
Council Resolution 917 (e.g., Listed by the U.S.
917 or Who
officers of the Haitian
Department of
Formulate, Implement,
military, including the police,
State as affecting
or Benefit from
and their immediate families; the issuance of
Policies that are
major participants in the
visas.
Impeding the
1991 Haitian coup d’etat).
Negotiations Seeking
the Return to
Constitutional Rule in
Haiti
Dec. 10, 1993
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,636, 58 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 65,525 (Dec.
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
14, 1993).
nonimmigrants of aliens who identified.
Persons Who
formulate, implement, or
Formulate, Implement,
benefit from policies that
or Benefit From
impede Nigeria’s transition
Policies That Are
to democracy and their
Impeding the
immediate family.
Transition to
Democracy in Nigeria

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Congressional Research Service
17
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
June 21, 1993
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,574, 58 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 34,209 (June
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
23, 1993).
nonimmigrants of persons
identified.
Persons Who
who formulate or benefit
Formulate, Implement,
from policies that impede
or Benefit From
Zaire’s transition to
Policies That Are
democracy and their
Impeding the
immediate family.
Transition to
Democracy in Nigeria
June 3, 1993
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 6,569, 58 Suspending the entry as
Revoked by Pres.
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 31,897 (June 7,
immigrants or
Proc. No. 6,685, 59
Nonimmigrants of
1993).
nonimmigrants of persons
Fed. Reg. 24,337
Persons Who
who formulate, implement,
(May 10, 1994).
Formulate or
or benefit from policies that
Implement Policies
impede the progress of
That Are Impeding the
negotiations to restore a
Negotiations Seeking
constitutional government
the Return to
to Haiti and their immediate
Constitutional Rule in
family.
Haiti
Invocation by President George H.W. Bush
May 24, 1992
Interdiction of Illegal
Exec. Order No. 12,807,
Making provisions to
No presidential
Aliens
57 Fed. Reg. 23,133
enforce the suspension of
revocation
(June 1, 1992).
the entry of undocumented
identified.
aliens by sea and the

interdiction of any covered
Referenced in Pres.
vessel carrying such aliens.
Proc. No. 9,699, 83
Fed. Reg. 8,161
(Feb. 23, 2018).
Invocations by President Ronald Reagan
Oct. 22, 1988
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 5,887, 53 Suspending the entry of
Revoked by Pres.
Nonimmigrants of
Fed. Reg. 43,185 (Oct.
specified Nicaraguan
Proc. No. 6,167, 55
Officers and
26, 1988).
nationals into the United
Fed. Reg. 33,093
Employees of the
States as nonimmigrants
(Aug. 13, 1990).
Nicaraguan
(e.g., officers of the
Government
Nicaraguan government or
the Sandinista National
Liberation Front holding
diplomatic or official
passports).
June 10, 1988
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 5,829, 53 Suspending the entry as
No presidential
Immigrants and
Fed. Reg. 22,289 (June
immigrants or
revocation
Nonimmigrants of
14, 1988).
nonimmigrants of certain
identified.
Persons Who
Panamanian nationals who
Formulate or
formulate or implement the
Implement the Policies
policies Manuel Antonio
of the Noriega/Solis
Noriega and Manuel Solis
Palma Regime
Palma, and their immediate
families.
Aug. 22, 1986
Suspension of Cuban
Pres. Proc. No. 5,517, 51 Suspending the entry of
No presidential
Immigration
Fed. Reg. 30,470 (Aug.
Cuban nationals as
revocation
26, 1986).
immigrants with certain
identified.
specified exceptions (e.g.,
Cuban nationals applying for
admission as immediate
relatives under INA
§ 201(b)).

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18
Date of
Title of Order or
Citation
Invocation
Proclamation
Nature of Exclusion
Status
Oct. 4, 1985
Suspension of Entry as Pres. Proc. No. 5,377, 50 Suspending the entry of
No presidential
Nonimmigrants by
Fed. Reg. 41,329 (Oct.
specified classes of Cuban
revocation
Officers or Employees
10, 1985).
nationals as nonimmigrants
identified.
of the Government of
(e.g., officers or employees

Cuba or the
of the Cuban government or Listed by the U.S.
Communist Party of
the Communist Party of
Department of
Cuba
Cuba holding diplomatic or
State as affecting
official passports).
the issuance of
visas.
Sept. 29, 1981
High Seas Interdiction
Pres. Proc. No. 4,865, 46 Suspending the entry of
No presidential
of Illegal Aliens
Fed. Reg. 48,107 (Oct. 1, migrants from the high seas,
revocation
1981) (expanded by
and directing the
identified.
Exec. Order No. 12,807,
interdiction of certain

57 Fed. Reg. 23,133
vessels carrying such aliens.
Listed by the U.S.
(June 1, 1992)).
Department of
State as affecting
the issuance of
visas.

Referenced in Pres.
Proc. No. 9,822, 83
Fed. Reg. 57,661
(Nov. 15, 2018).
Source: Westlaw’s Presidential Documents database and the White House’s Presidential Action web page.
Note: A number of the proclamations and orders listed above make the entry restrictions they impose subject to waivers,
exceptions, and limitations. See, e.g., Pres. Proc. No. 9,645, 82 Fed. Reg. 45,161, at § 3 (Sept. 27, 2017).
Table Methodology
The entry restrictions above were compiled through searches of Westlaw’s Presidential Documents
database for variations and combinations of the terms Immigration and Nationality Act, INA, § 212(f), 8
U.S.C. § 1182(f), vetting capabilities, alien, person, immigrant, nonimmigrant, suspend, entry, entering,
and block as of May 4, 2020. CRS supplemented this methodology by reviewing the White House’s
Presidential Action web page for entry restrictions issued after the publication of the May 4, 2020, issue
of the Federal Register. Table 1 only identifies those presidential documents that expressly impose entry
restrictions under INA § 212(f).
For ease of identification, some recent entry restrictions have been listed separately rather than as
amendments to or replacements of prior entry restrictions.
To determine whether a listed entry restriction has been expressly amended or revoked by a later
presidential document, CRS completed a manual review of results from searches of Westlaw’s
Presidential Documents database for (order OR proclamation OR EO OR E.O.) PRE /5 [presidential
document number(s) listed in Column 3]) as of May 4, 2020. Identified amendments and partial
revocations are listed as parentheticals in Column 3, and complete revocations are listed in Column 5.
When this methodology yielded no results expressly revoking the listed entry restriction, the column
notes that “no presidential revocation was identified.” In such instances, the column cell also includes the
most recent (if any) reference to the corresponding entry restriction in Westlaw’s Presidential Documents
database as of May 4, 2020. Additionally, the column notes when the U.S. Department of State identifies
the corresponding entry restriction as affecting U.S. visas. While Column 5 includes two preliminary
injunctions blocking the corresponding entry restrictions, as well as two Supreme Court orders
interpreting a restriction, Table 1 does not systematically track every judicial or legislative action
affecting application of each entry restrictions listed in Columns 1-3.

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19
As noted above, alternative research methodologies may yield different results.
Acknowledgment: Table 1 updates an earlier table prepared by Kate M. Manuel for an earlier CRS
report.




Author Information

Ben Harrington
Theresa A. Reiss
Legislative Attorney
Law Librarian








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