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There is now a CONTENT FREEZE for Mercury while we switch to a new platform. It began on Friday, March 10 at 6pm and will end on Wednesday, March 15 at noon. No new content can be created during this time, but all material in the system as of the beginning of the freeze will be migrated to the new platform, including users and groups. Functionally the new site is identical to the old one. webteam@gatech.edu
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Atlanta, GA | Posted: June 27, 2017
On Monday, June 26, 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court partially granted the government's request to stay preliminary injunctions on the 90-day travel ban in section 2(c) of Executive Order 13780. This decision will result in section 2(c) being enacted except under certain conditions. It is expected to be enforced within 72 hours and will result in the travel ban for individuals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen “who lack a credible claim of a bona fide relationship with a person or entity in the United States.”
In addition, the Court formally lifted the injunction on the section outlining the government's study which could lead, under section 2(e) of the executive order, to an indefinite ban on entry by nationals of countries that do not provide the U.S. government with sufficient information on citizens who are applying for U.S. visas or immigration benefits.
While the Court cited several examples of such “bona fide relationships” — such as students admitted to a U.S. college or university or individuals employed by U.S. entities — further guidance from the State Department is needed regarding full application of these rules. The Supreme Court will hear arguments on this case in October, and a final decision is expected during the 2017-18 academic year.
Georgia Tech Office of International Education and Global Human Resources will continue to stay abreast of the changes and provide updates as they are available. We encourage our international students, staff, and faculty to contact OIE for individual guidance if they are planning to travel or study abroad.
Please read these additional resources:
Department of State: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/news/important-announcement.html
Department of Homeland Security: https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/06/29/dhs-announces-implementation-travel-restriction-provisions
