Department Of State Report: Implementation Of Presidential Proclamation 9645 - Security Vetting And Entry Restrictions.pdf

This Department of State report details the implementation of Presidential Proclamation 9645, which restricts entry into the United States for nationals of eight countries (Chad, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Syria, Venezuela, and Yemen) based on security concerns. The report covers the period from December 8, 2017 to March 31, 2019.

Key Points:

1. Proclamation Overview: Issued in September 2017, the Proclamation aims to enhance vetting capabilities and processes for potential public safety threats. It restricts visa issuance and entry for specified nationals, with exceptions and waivers available under specific conditions.

2. Affected Countries:
- Iran: No nonimmigrant visas (except F, M, J), no immigrant or diversity visas.
- Libya: No B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 visas, no immigrant or diversity visas.
- North Korea: No nonimmigrant visas, no immigrant or diversity visas.
- Somalia: Not applicable, no immigrant or diversity visas.
- Syria: No nonimmigrant visas, no immigrant or diversity visas.
- Venezuela: Restricted for officials of specific government agencies and their family members; not applicable for other visa types.
- Yemen: No B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 visas, no immigrant or diversity visas.

3. Waiver Process:
- Exceptions: Some applicants benefit from exceptions in the Proclamation.
- Standard Waiver: Consular officers automatically consider applicants for waivers based on a three-part test (undue hardship, no threat to national security/public safety, and national interest).
- Application & Proof: No separate waiver application; aliens must demonstrate eligibility during visa interview.

4. Interagency Security Review: Due to the manual nature of current enhanced screening processes, over 12,000 PP 9645 cases are undergoing post-interview security reviews for waiver considerations.

5. Automated Screening & Vetting: The Department is developing an automated system to streamline and expedite the vetting process, aiming for full operational capacity later in the fiscal year.

6. Waiver Statistics: As of March 31, 2019, approximately 5.1% of subject applicants have been issued visas pursuant to the waiver process.