Those denied entry after Trump travel ban allowed to reapply for visas

Individuals blocked from entering the U.S. under President Trump’s initial temporary travel ban can now reapply for visas to enter the country, CNN reported Thursday, citing a settlement in the case temporarily blocking the travel ban in January.

Trump’s first executive order, which halted all immigration from seven predominantly Muslim countries, sparked a series of legal battles after some people carrying valid visas were denied entry and sent back to their home countries.

The government will now notify those with proper documentation who were prevented from entering the U.S. that they can now reapply for visas, which will be reviewed by a liaison from the Department of Justice, CNN reported, though no one will be guaranteed re-entry. 

The first order was declared unconstitutional by a court less than 24 hours after being signed when two Iraqi nationals who had worked in the U.S. for over a decade filed a lawsuit challenging it.

{mosads}The Supreme Court later allowed for a revised version of the travel restrictions, and will hear cases against it in October.  

CNN reported that about 2,000 people were detained in the immediate nearly 24-hour period from when the first travel ban went into effect and when it was temporarily blocked. About 140 people were denied entry to the U.S. and sent back to their home countries during that time, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) said.

“Although the government dragged its feet for far too long, it has finally agreed to do the right thing and provide those excluded under the first Muslim ban with proper notice of their right to come to the United States,” ACLU deputy director for the Immigration Rights Project Lee Gelernt said in a press release.